Chinese club owner reveals Costa, Benzema, Cavani bids

Matt Stead

The owner of Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian has revealed that he has sanctioned a number of bids for high-profile strikers.

The newly-promoted outfit are hoping to make a statement in this winter’s transfer window, and have already signed Belgian international Axel Witsel from Zenit St Petersburg.

The club are now pursuing a leading striker, with owner Shu Yuhui confirming interest in a number of players.

“I made an appointment with [agent, Jorge] Mendes and he came to my hometown to visit me. At that time, we were interested in signing Costa,” Shu told Tianjin Sports Channel.

“PSG have told us Cavani would only be allowed to leave in June, even though the player himself was willing to join us. The same can be said for Costa because Chelsea also only let him leave in June. However, the new season of CSL will almost reach the halfway stage in June, we can’t wait so long.

“Our club had a massive investment plan for the new season but it was tightened up by the new rules.

“We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for Benzema. We also made an attempt for Falcao.

“As a matter of fact, the club had even prepared the contracts for Falcao and [Benfica striker] Raul Jimenez. We had already reached agreement with them on wages and bonus.

“The pair were expected to sign the contracts, but the new rules forced us to give up on them.”