Wednesday 20 April 2016 16:01, UK
Corinthians have confirmed they are keen to take Alexandre Pato back to Brazil if the striker is not signed on a permanent deal by Chelsea this summer.
The 26-year-old forward has made just two Premier League appearances for the Blues since arriving on loan from Corinthians in the January transfer window.
Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade says his club would welcome Pato back, if Chelsea forego the option to buy him in the summer - a prospect which appears unlikely given his struggles to break into the team.
De Andrade said: "He still has a contract with us which has to be honoured. So nothing has changed in the situation regarding Pato.
"So, If Chelsea don't want him anymore and don't pay for his transfer, then he will move back to Corinthians.
"And once back with us he will be used for us in our team."
The former AC Milan player scored his first goal for Chelsea earlier this month in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa, before winning his first start in the 1-0 defeat to Swansea City a week later.
He failed to feature in last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City but he is hopeful he can build on his earlier progress and convince the club he is worth keeping for next season.
"I feel that my body and mind are strong. My aim is to stay here in Europe and continue at Chelsea," he said.
