A-League newcomers Western United have fallen at the last hurdle in an audacious bid to sign one of the biggest names in the competitions history after former AC Milan star Pato accepted an offer to join Brazilian club Sao Paulo instead of signing a marquee deal in Australia.
The Herald understands United had already been given the green light from Football Federation Australia to receive marquee funding for the 29-year-old striker and were on the cusp of agreeing a deal worth around $3million with Pato for the start of their inaugural season.
Transfer target: Brazil's Alexandre Pato in action against the Socceroos in 2013.Credit:PAULO WHITAKER
However, talks ended on Thursday morning after Patos agent, Gilmar Veloz informed the club that his client made a late decision to return to his homeland for personal reasons.
Western United had spent the past few weeks deep in conversation with Pato and his representatives over a move to Australia to become the face of the new club after the striker parted ways with Chinese team Tianjin Quanjian.
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The news of Pato's negotiations with Western United was reported by Fox Sports on Thursday. Speaking to Fox Sports podcast earlier in the week, Western United director Steve Horvat confirmed his club was deep in discussions to sign a high-profile star as their second marquee. Western United have already added Greece international and former Bologna captain, Panagiotis Kone to their roster as their first marquee player.
"If we can get the player that we're talking to over the line, I think it will be an incredible coup Read More – Source
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