Shakhtar Donetsk striker Willian claims Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is constantly sending him text messages, as he has again talked up his hopes of a move to the Premier League.
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The Brazilian striker, who will line-up against Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night, claims he came close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, while Tottenham was another option for him as he pondered his future with Shakhtar.
He has been quoted on Brazilian website Lancenet claiming he would relish a move to England, with Villas-Boas's persistence in chasing Willian's signature clearly impressing the striker is who valued at around £16m by his employers.
"Tottenham are a big club and they have Villas-Boas," he stated. "I have great affection for this manager. "He is always in contact with me and we exchanged messages.
"And Chelsea is the Chelsea, right? A big club, European champions, with great players. It would be really cool if I play in one of these clubs, important for my career.
"For now, my mind remains at Shakhtar, but everybody knows what my goal is. I've clearly stated that I would like to play in a big city for a top club, whether it be England, Spain or Italy. I want to come back to the Brazil national team and being in a bigger spotlight would help me get noticed."
Meanwhile, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu has confirmed Chelsea did not come close to matching their valuation of Willian as the club's opened negotiations to sign the goal poacher last summer.
"Chelsea didn't even get anywhere near to our requirements," said Lucescu. "Speaking specifically about the amounts, they officially offered the sum for which we had bought him young. I would really like them to highly appreciate his true value in this Champions League tie and realise they made a big mistake by not offering what he is worth."
