Shakhtar want more for Willian

Coach Mircea Lucescu said Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected a 26 million pounds bid from Chelsea for Brazilian playmaker Willian.

Equally comfortable on the wing or in attacking midfield, Willian signed for the Shakhtar as a 19-year-old after an impressive start to his career with Corinthian.

Although his debut season included prolonged periods on the bench, he has since gone on to become an integral part of the first team.

The Brazil international was the subject of interest from Chelsea in January, and his coach said that the attacker would be allowed to leave if the price is right.

Lucescu told Romanian TV station Dolce Sport: “I told Willian he can leave, but only if the right offer is made. He’s a great player.

“Willian was the biggest investment Shakhtar have made in a young player, we have to respect that. He played only seven or eight games in Brazil.”

The Romanian coach highlighted Chelsea’s willingness to spend big on Belgian star Eden Hazard, questioning the Premier League side’s judgement in regards to player ability, confidently suggesting that the tricky Brazilian is superior to the two-time Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

“They paid a lot of money for Hazard but are not willing to pay for Willian, even though he’s better in my opinion.” Lucescu said.