He is on Chelsea's radar, so what is Hulk doing in London?

By John Drayton

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Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk has caused a stir on social media by posting a picture of himself and his agent flying to London - on the same day the Russian club have sacked manager Luciano Spalletti.

Chelsea had tabled a substantial offer for the Brazil striker last August, but were unable to finalise a move.

Jose Mourinho was covertly filmed last month, bemoaning his side's lack of strikers and even questioning the age of Saturday's two-goal hero Samuel Eto'o.

Where you off to? Hulk said he was going to 'work' in London with his manager and friend

Where you off to? Hulk said he was going to 'work' in London with his manager and friend

Tough luck: Luciano Spalletti was sacked by Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday
Success story? Spalletti won two league titles with the Russian club

Tough break: Luciano Spalletti was axed as Zenit St Petersburg manager on Tuesday morning

Hulk, pictured on a private jet, posted the image on his Instagram page, along with the message that read: 'Going to work in London. With my manager and friend # Teo'

Meanwhile, Spalletti was sacked as head coach of the Russian club just a week before the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Borussia Dortmund.

 

The 55 year-old Italian was dismissed after the disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Tom Tomsk on Sunday allowed Lokomotiv Moscow to replace them at the top of the Russian Premier League.

Former Russia captain Sergei Semak has been placed in temporary charge.

Down and out? Robert Lewandowski wheels away after netting one of the four goal Dortmund scored at Zenit

Down and out? Robert Lewandowski wheels away after netting one of the four goal Dortmund scored at Zenit

Main man: Hulk has spearheaded Zenit's attack this season

Main man: Hulk has spearheaded Zenit's attack this season

Disappointing: Hulk and Zenit were unable to topple minnows Tom Tomsk at home at the weekend

Disappointing: Hulk and Zenit were unable to topple minnows Tom Tomsk at home at the weekend

'We would like to thank Luciano Spalletti for everything that he has done to develop football and we will always be glad to see him in St Petersburg. Grazie, Mister,' Zenit said in a statement.

Former Roma and Udinese boss Spalletti took charge in December 2009 and led the side from Russia's second city to two Premier League titles and one Russian Cup during his tenure and was named Russian coach of the season in 2010 and 2012 season.

However, the club's hierarchy decided to change their manager with 10 league matches remaining.

International prowess: Hulk is a regular member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad

International prowess: Hulk is a regular member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad

Zenit saw their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their history all but disappear following a 4-2 first leg home loss to Dortmund last month. The return leg in Germany takes place on March 19.

Semak has been handed his first head coach position and the 38 year-old's first game in temporary charge will be against CSKA Moscow on Saturday before they fly to Germany.

Semak spent a decade playing with CSKA Moscow, before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2004. He later had spells with FC Moscow and Rubin Kazan, before finishing his career with Zenit in May and then joining Spalletti's coaching staff.

 

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

This guy is so strong that if joins the Blues,they'll win everything !

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Thank, but no thanks, Zenith can keep him. Lukaku back please and some younger (than Hulk) talented striker in, during the summer.

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TWO FINGERS to you as well - you rude ignoramus ...

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Is there no heating on these private jets?

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overrated.

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It's been years since these rumours started. He's not going to Chelsea DM, give up.

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overrated and not very good at all

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Tad bit overrated. But obviously there are a couple of London teams in need of a striker.

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Sherwood, did you call him?

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He is a winger not a striker... Going to Spurs probably

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