Hulk Transfer News and Rumour Tracker: Week 4

Brazil international Hulk is one of the most highly regarded strikers currently active. Quick, strong, blessed with excellent control and a lethal eye for goal, it is no wonder that the comic book-inspired Zenit man has been constantly linked with a move away from Russia. 

Could the ex-Porto star be on the move in January? There is no shortage of speculation that says he could be the subject of a significant bid once the window reopens for the new year. 

Last Updated: December 17

Or maybe Hulk will be drafted in to become the newest member of the Neroazzurri's sizeable South American contingent. Goals have not been a problem for the Italians so far in Serie A; with 21 conceded in 16 games, the urgent problems appear to be at the back.

But with Diego Milito injured and young Mauro Icardi still finding his feet, a powerful strike partner for the prolific Rodrigo Palacio would be a great piece of business. 

Itasportpress, as reported by Football Italia, reports the interest of club president Erick Thohir in bringing the Brazil international to Milan. 

The article suggests, however, that any move by the Polish empresario to extricate Hulk would not come cheap: 

The Nerazzurri will have to splash out for the Selecao international though, with reports suggesting that Luciano Spalletti’s men will only let him leave for around €45m.

 

As the transfer window lies just two weeks away, Hulk's supposed admission to Zenit directors that he does not want to stay in Russia (Talksport, via Izvestia) will not go unnoticed. 

Chelsea have been linked more than once with the physical Brazilian star, and Talksport asserts that he is in Jose Mourinho's sights. A possible stumbling block, however, would be Hulk's unavailability for Champions League football having already participated in the competition with Zenit. 

Following heavy summer investment, Tottenham have failed to click so far in the Premier League.

A devastating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend left the North Londoners further mired in mid-table, with pressure starting to build on Andre Villas-Boas. 

Could one of the Portuguese coach's old charges be the answer? Hulk recently heaped praise on the ex-Porto boss, per the Daily Star, saying that he would love the chance to be reunited at some point.

Whether that will be in January or not remains to be seen.   

After a year in the Serie B wilderness, Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras will be rejoining the top flight in 2014.

A top signing for the Verdao would be a big statement of intent—and a Brazil international along the lines of Hulk would do the job just fine. 

Speculation in Brazil linked the striker, who is a life-long fan of the club, with a return to his home nation just six months prior to the World Cup.

Palmeiras, however, have poured cold water on the possibility for now. Executive director Jose Carlos Brunoro told Globo Esporte (via Sky Sports): "We are always interested, but that is not true."