Football
PA Sport 8y

Premier League stars not out of China's financial reach - chief

Premier League clubs have been warned that their star players are not out of the reach of cash-rich Chinese Super League sides looking to make big-money signings.

An increase in government interest at improving the standard of football throughout China has led to some teams spending heavily to sign the best players from across the globe.

And they have already started to flex their financial muscles by attracting notable talent to the Far East, with Jiangsu Suning beating Liverpool to the signing of highly-rated Brazilian Alex Teixeira.

Brazil international Ramires left Chelsea to join his compatriot at the Nanjing-based outfit, with Jackson Martinez, Demba Ba, Fredy Guarin, Paulinho and Ezequiel Lavezzi all now plying their trade in China.

Then on Thursday another Brazilian, Hulk, left Zenit St Petersburg to sign for Sven-Goran Eriksson's Shanghai SIPG for €55.8million (£46.2m) in a new record deal for the league.

And now Eric Gao, the chief executive of iRENA, a company which represents 12 Super League clubs, has suggested China has the power to attract any name from the Premier League.

Asked if any player in the world was out of the financial reach of Chinese clubs, he replied: "No.

"I'm working closely with Beijing and Shanghai football clubs, I talk with some UEFA people and with clubs, they ask me 'Eric, can you help us to find some agents who can buy some top players?'

"Chinese clubs will pay much more, since lots of clubs compete with each other who can pay more right now in China.

"That's the reality. I know lots of good players, they receive two or three offers from Chinese clubs, the players will make more money at Chinese clubs, that's true.''

Manchester City's Yaya Toure is another name now at the centre of a tug-of-war between Super League sides, with Gao admitting Pep Guardiola's side have players who interest Chinese investors.

"They [Super League clubs] will be trying to buy top-level players,'' he added.

"I know a lot of Chinese football clubs are interested. They talk with Manchester City for some kind of good player.

"Why is it good for the players? My understanding, firstly, it's good for their branding, not only for their branding in China but their worldwide branding, more people know who they are.

"They might never have known before. It's very good for them. It also generates many opportunities for the investors. The money can return to them. It's not only spending the money.

"I control some shortlists. I think top players. This is not the right moment to tell you the exact names.''

At the midway point of the Super League season defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande, managed by former Brazil and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, are top having lost just once all season.

They boast Martinez and Paulinho amongt their ranks and are six points clear of surprise second-placed side Hebei China Fortune, who are coached by ex-Everton midfielder Li Tie and with Lavezzi and former Arsenal forward Gervinho in their squad. They were only promoted to the top flight for this season.

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