Chelsea to cut short Pato deal?

Brazil international Alexandre Pato could return to Corinthians without playing a single minute of Premier League football. The 26-year-old linked up with the Blues on loan last winter with a view to a permanent switch at the end of the campaign.

However, he has since then struggled to regain his fitness, and currently finds himself nowhere near the first-team.

Recent reports had suggested that Pato could be closing in on his first appearance for the Blues, but according to an unnamed Brazilian source, the former Milan star is likely to have his deal terminated after the backroom staff gave up hope on getting him back to full fitness.

The talented forward has not featured in a competitive fixture since his loan exit from Sao Paolo in November.

Pato had caught the eye of the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool before he made his dream switch to Chelsea.