Zhang linked with Chelsea switch

London - Chelsea have made an offer for China and Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng, Chinese media reported on Friday.

The Premier League champions sent a contract on Wednesday and hope to secure the 26-year-old right back before the summer transfer window closes on Sept. 1, Titan said.

"I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation," the newspaper quoted Zhang as saying.

"I've worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League."

Zhang and the clubs were working through the terms of his transfer, Titan said, which was likely to be a loan deal.

Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou were not contactable to verify the report.

Chelsea have endured a sketchy start to their English title defence, shipping an unusually high seven goals in their first three matches.