A Brazilian striker who made his name in Japan before moving to FC Porto in 2008, Hulk has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Beginning his career with Vitoria in Brazil, he moved to the J-League on loan with Kawasaki Frontale before signing for the club a year later. In Japan, he picked up the nickname Hulk based on his supposed resemblance to the Marvel comic book hero and his goalscoring was most effective when he netted 37 goals in 42 matches while on loan at Tokyo Verdy.

With his fine form attracting the attention of European clubs, Porto came calling and snapped up half of his rights for just €5.5 million. Making an immediate impact, Hulk pushed his way into a starting place and continued to impress as he contributed both goals and assists to win the Double in his first season.

In 2010-11 he hit 36 in 53 to help Porto to the Treble of League, Portuguese Cup and Europa League and, with a desire to further his career on the continent, it may not be long before he is plying his trade at one of Europe's elite.

Strengths: Strength and power are two of his best attributes, while he is also very quick with the ball at his feet and boasts a thunderbolt of a shot.

Weaknesses: The defensive side of his game needs work and his temperament can get out of control. You wouldn't like him when he is angry.

Career high: Winning the Treble (League, Portuguese Cup and Europa League) with Porto in 2010-11 and netting 23 goals in 26 league games.

Career low: A brawl in the tunnel in December 2009 saw Hulk banned for four months and while it was eventually reduced to four games, that reduction came after he had already missed nine matches. It was an absence that badly affected Porto, causing them to finish third in the Primeira Liga and miss out on the Champions League.

Style: Powerful, quick, explosive, a man-mountain of a striker.

Quotes: "I would be lying if I said no proposals have emerged to sign Hulk. I think the highest bid was €80 million, but Porto did not even want to negotiate." Teodoro Fonseca, Hulk's agent, in September 2011.

Trivia: Hulk has a release clause in his FC Porto contract of €100 million.