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Chelsea and Everton dealt transfer blow: Midfielder set for China move
CHELSEA and Everton have reportedly missed out on Zenit St Petersburg star Axel Witsel.
Axel Witsel - 5 things you need to know
Witsel has been linked with a move to both clubs in recent months.
Antonio Conte wants the midfielder at Chelsea as he sets about winning the Premier League title at the first attempt.
Ronald Koeman, meanwhile, is determined to sign the Belgium international at Everton to help revive their faltering season.
However, the Sun claim that both sides are set to lose out in the race for his signature.
Axel Witsel has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Everton
Axel Witsel is free to leave Zenit at the end of the season
Instead, Witsel is said to be closing in on a stunning £300,000-a-week deal in the Chinese Super League.
The 27-year-old's contract at Zenit is up in the summer meaning he is free to negotiate with clubs this month.
And Shanghai SIPG, who raided Chelsea for Oscar earlier this month, are desperate to bring Witsel to the Far East.
Axel Witsel is set to link up with Oscar in China
Former manager Andre Villas-Boas is in charge after leaving Zenit at the end of last season.
If a deal goes ahead then Witsel will become the latest player lured by the riches Chinese clubs have to offer.
Carlos Tevez became the world's highest-paid player when he moved to Shanghai Shenhua last week, while the likes of Demba Ba, Hulk and Ramires are also plying their trade in the Far East.
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