Sergei Palkin reveals the Brazilian playmaker is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, and suggests the good relationship between the clubs could facilitate an agreement

Chelsea may not have to meet Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian’s release clause of €35 million in order to clinch a deal, the Ukrainian giants’ chief executive Sergei Palkin has hinted.

Despite boss Andre Villas-Boas’ insistence the Blues would not sign anyone in January who is ineligible for the Champions League, they retain an interest in the Brazilian playmaker and Shakhtar are believed to have already rejected an opening bid in the region of €25m.

Willian has a release clause allowing him to leave the club for €35m, but Palkin suggests the good relationship between the two clubs, coupled with the player’s eagerness to complete the move, could mean the Blues ultimately end up paying less than the stated figure.

“We have no burning desire to sell the player, but in football some things are impossible to avoid,” Palkin is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

“If it weren’t for our good relationship with Chelsea – and Willian does not hide his intention to test himself in one of the best clubs in the English Premier League – we would insist on the £29m release clause written into the player’s contract.

“It is important to understand that we are talking about Chelsea’s desire to buy Willian, but not Shakhtar’s desire to sell him.”