Hulk hints at January exit; Lazio readying bid for Xandao

Hulk hints at January exit

Zenit star Hulk has caused quite a stir by saying that he wants to leave the club less than six months after joining from Porto.

The Brazilian joined the Russian giants in a €50 million move from Porto in the summer, but hasn’t had such a good start to his career at the club.

Hulk was furious after being substituted in the Champions League clash with Milan last night and made it clear that he wanted to leave Zenit in January.

“If the conflict situation with Luciano Spalletti can’t be resolved, I’ll leave Zenit in January,” the Brazilian told Mediaset TV.

“I’m very angry at him. I moved to Zenit to play and not to be replaced in every game, I want to leave.”

Since joining the club in September, Hulk started 7 Russian Premier League games, but was substituted in five of those matches.

After playing full 90 minutes in Zenit’s four Champions League matches, he was subbed ten minutes before time at San Siro.

Lazio readying bid for Xandao

Portuguese newspaper A Bola understands that Lazio are preparing a January assault on Sao Paulo defender Xandao.

Xandao, 24, is currently on loan until the end of the season at Sporting Lisbon, but could easily be on the move as soon as January.

Given the Lions are in a difficult financial situation and unable to match the €3 million clause in his deal, Lazio are expected to swoop for the highly rated defender in the winter transfer window.

The Biancocelesti attempted to sign the player in the summer, and are now ready to reignite their interest.

They have yet to make an official offer for Xandao, but it is only a matter of time before Lazio materialize their interest.

Sporting Lisbon chiefs value the defender highly and are keen on keeping him at Estadio Joao Alvalade, but they will have no say if Lazio agrees a transfer fee with Sao Paulo.

Andre Santos fuels transfer talk

Arsenal defender Andre Santos has added fuel to speculations that he could leave the Emirates in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian never quite managed to establish himself as a first team regular in North London, although he did make quite a few appearances while Kieran Gibbs was sidelined through injury.

Santos was heavily criticized by Arsenal fans for swapping shirts with Manchester United forward Robin van Persie when the two sides met a month ago, fueling talk that he is nearing the exit door.

The full-back now confirms that he has already received offers from Brazil, Turkey and Italy.

“It’s true that I have received calls from interested parties in Brazil, Turkey and Italy, but there was no concrete proposal,” Santos told O Globo.

“The coach has not spoken to me about it, and I am focused on Arsenal. I am happy here.”

Santos joined Arsenal in a €7 million deal from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2011 and has since made 21 Premier League appearances for the Gunners.

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