Porto chief hopes for Hulk stay

Pinto Da Costa does not expect Hulk's £83.5million buyout clause to be met this month, but admits it is likely to happen in the future.

President not expecting January swoop for star forward

Porto president Pinto Da Costa does not expect Hulk's £83.5million buyout clause to be met this month, but admits it is likely to happen in the future. The Brazilian frontman is one of the hottest properties in Europe and is thought to have caught the eye of several top clubs, including Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala. However, the 25-year-old is contracted with the Portuguese champions until summer 2016 and his staggering release clause could dissuade even the biggest-spending sides. Hulk refused to rule out a January move on Monday, admitting he would leave the Estadio do Dragao if the right deal presented itself. But while Da Costa says he would not be shocked if a club broke the transfer record to capture the star forward, he does not expect it to happen in the current window. "I hope that no one meets Hulk's buyout clause, but I would not be surprised if someone pays it one day," he said. "I would like, however, that no one paid that figure."