Thursday 30 June 2016 23:52, UK
Premier League clubs have been warned no player is out of the reach of the Chinese Super League.
Government interest in improving the standard of football in China has led to teams flexing their financial muscles by attracting top talent with Jiangsu Suning beating Liverpool to the signing of Brazilian Alex Teixeira.
Brazil international Ramires left Chelsea to join his compatriot at the Nanjing-based outfit, with Jackson Martinez, Demba Ba, Fredy Guarin, Paulinho and Ezequiel Lavezzi all now plying their trade in China.
On Thursday another Brazilian, Hulk, left Zenit St Petersburg to sign for Sven-Goran Eriksson's Shanghai SIPG for £46.2m in a new record deal for the league.
Asked if any player in the world was out of the financial reach of Chinese clubs, Eric Gao, chief executive of iRENA, a company which represents 12 Super League clubs, said: "No. I'm working closely with Beijing and Shanghai football clubs.
"I talk with some UEFA people and with clubs, they ask me 'Eric, can you help us to find some agents who can buy some top players?'
"Chinese clubs will pay much more, since lots of clubs compete with each other who can pay more right now in China.
"That's the reality. I know lots of good players, they receive two or three offers from Chinese clubs, the players will make more money at Chinese clubs, that's true."
Manchester City's Yaya Toure is another name now at the centre of a tug-of-war between Super League sides, with Gao admitting Pep Guardiola's side have players who interest Chinese investors.
"[The Super League clubs] will be trying to buy top-level players," he added.
"I know a lot of Chinese football clubs are interested. They talk with Manchester City for some kind of good player.
"Why is it good for the players? My understanding, firstly, it's good for their branding, not only for their branding in China but their worldwide branding, more people know who they are.
"They might never have known before. It's very good for them. It also generates many opportunities for the investors. The money can return to them. It's not only spending the money.
"I control some shortlists. I think top players. This is not the right moment to tell you the exact names."
At the midway point of the Super League season defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande, managed by former Brazil and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, are top having lost just once all season.
They boast Martinez and Paulinho amongst their ranks and are six points clear of surprise second-placed side Hebei China Fortune, who are coached by ex-Everton midfielder Li Tie and with Lavezzi and former Arsenal forward
Gervinho in their squad. They were only promoted to the top flight for this season.
