Chelsea suffer major setback in deal for star Chinese defender

Zhang Linpeng's move to Chelsea could be halted by his current club

CHELSEA have been told they cannot sign Chinese star Zhang Linpeng unless they promise him regular game time.

 

The defender currently plays for Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, and has admitted his excitement of a possible move to the England.

The centre-back told Chinese newspaper Titan: "I am very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation.

"I have worked hard and waited five or six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League."

 

However, the club have told the Blues a deal can only be completed if assurances are made over the defender's playing time.

A club official told news outlet Xinhua: "We did receive an offer from Chelsea, which we have attached great importance. 

"But we will not continue to talk with Chelsea unless the English club make a guarantee on Zhang's playing time.

 

"We learned the fact that Zhang could not play for Chelsea in the first place, because he could not get a working permit in England."

And when asked about Chelsea potentially being forced to loan Linpeng out, he added: "Chelsea haven't told us which club will be Zhang's first stop, and they could not guarantee Zhang could play for Chelsea in the future. 

"So we believe it is a great risk to let him leave now, both for the player and the club."