Pato on Atletico Mineiro radar

Brazil's Atletico Mineiro are preparing a bid to sign Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato, according to media reports.

The 26-year-old is due to return to Brazil next week after completing an unhappy four-month loan spell at Chelsea.

Pato made just two first-team appearances for the London club despite scoring on debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The former AC Milan striker's contract with Corinthians will expire in December, meaning he will be able to sign a pre-contract with another club as a free agent in June.

According to the Uol news portal, the only obstacle for Atletico Mineiro is the forward's salary demands, said to be around 230,000 US dollars a month.