The "enormous spending power of Chinese football is a danger to clubs everywhere," Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte said on Friday as his midfielder Oscar "pondered" a reported £52M ($65M) transfer to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, according to Steve Tongue of REUTERS. The Brazilian "is a target" for the CSL club, and has said that he is "90 percent certain" to move. Conte said, "The Chinese market is a danger for all teams in the world. ... We must concentrate on our work and not think there's a lot of money and they can take our players." Conte "appeared resigned to losing Oscar." He said, "Sometimes when there's a massive offer it's important to take the best decision for the club, (even if) sometimes the situation can penalize you" (REUTERS, 12/16).
ZLATAN SNUB: In London, Simon Jones reported Zlatan Ibrahimovic is "ready to snub a staggering" £120M ($150M) offer from China to extend his stay at ManU. The Chinese government is "willing to bankroll a move for the Swedish superstar knowing he can guarantee millions in commercial revenue and raise the profile of the Chinese Super League." The government made overtures to the 35-year-old last year and was willing to offer around £56M ($70M) a year to the free agent "yet he opted for the challenge of the Premier League" and ManU. His "form and goalscoring exploits, however, have only served to whet the Chinese government's appetite further" and it has increased the offer which would include a fee for ManU (DAILY MAIL, 12/17).
