Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has played down his interest in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian.

 

The Portuguese tactician had already admitted that a move for the 23-year-old this month was unlikely as he did not want to bring in a player who could not play in the Champions League – Willian would be cup-tied for the competition.

 

The Shakhtar man’s release clause is around €30M, but the Ukrainian giants are believed to be willing to accept an offer slightly below that sum to facilitate the Brazilian’s exit.

 

But nothing will happen this month, and may not even happen in the summer, according to Villas-Boas.

 

"Willian is an extremely interesting player, but I don’t think we will progress with our interest because of different issues, from work permit to price valuation", said the Chelsea manager.

 

"I think our project next year is more important than the actual project at the moment.

 

"Not that Willian doesn’t have the characteristics for the future, but we are betting a lot on what we can build for next year."

 

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