Chelsea Threaten to Abandon Hulk and Cavani Chase - Report

European champions Chelsea have threatened to end their long-drawn pursuit of Brazilian forward Hulk and Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, due to excessive financial demnads.

It appears that although the Stamford Bridge club are admirers of both players, their management are refusing to be held hostage by either the players or their clubs.

Napoli's Cavani, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea all through the summer, has reportedly asked for wages in the range of £150,000 per week, while the club is demanding £35m from the Blues. In fact, transfer valuations aside, Cavani's wage demands have stunned even his own club, with reports they were re-considering offering him a contract extension.

Meanwhile, Hulk has a reported buyout clause of £78m and is unlikely to leave for anything less, according to comments made by Porto president Pinto da Costa. Given that Chelsea Roman Abramovich has already spent close to £70m on the transfers of Marko Marin, Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard and Brazilian midfielder Oscar, the Blues are reluctant to meet the buy-out fee.

Hulk himself has admitted he would be interested in playing in England but any move has stalled since the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement.

"I have left the door open to be transferred. My preference is to play in England or Spain because they are the most watched leagues in the world. Now is a great time for me to move," the powerful Brazilian explained.

Moses Deal Done?

The good news for manager Roberto Di Matteo is that the signing of Nigerian Victor Moses, from Wigan Athletic, for a fee of £9m, appears imminent. Wigan have confirmed the arrival of Arsenal's Japanese youngster Ryo Miyachi, on loan, and it is believed the young Gunner has been brought in as a replacement for the outgoing Moses.

Lukaku Slams Chelsea

Finally, Chelsea's Belgian youngster Romelu Lukaku has criticised his parent club after completing a loan move to Fulham. Lukaku signed on at Stamford Bridge last season in a deal finally worth nearly £20m, but has been repeatedly overlooked in favour of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge.

"I couldn't see myself staying at Chelsea. I sacrificed a year of my career with them and didn't want to put up with it anymore," the 19 year old forward said, " I decided in March I wanted to go out on loan, and told my agent to find me a club. I am relieved to have found a solution."