CHELSEA TRANSFER RUMOURS: Hulk, Maicon, Meireles and Pereira Involved In Latest Speculation

As they chase a return to challenging for the Premier League title, Chelsea look far from finished in their summer recruitment drive. Eden Hazard and Marko Marin may have already arrived for a combined outlay of close to £40 million, but more deals look set to follow.

Brazilian forward Hulk has been linked to a move for much of the summer, with Chelsea and Porto thought to be unable to agree terms over a transfer fee. But the 25-year-old's agent has claimed that, despite interest from across Europe, the Premier League is the ideal destination for his client.

Hulk is the most coveted player in Europe this summer, Teodoro Fonseca said, according to TalkSport.

I never said he wants to leave Porto because he belongs to the club, but if he is sold, it has to be in the best way possible.

Now his dream is to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and it is my opinion that the Premier League is the best place he could play.

Chelsea may not be the only Premier League option for Hulk, however, with the Daily Star claiming that Tottenham have joined the race for his signature.

The speculation has arisen due to former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas taking the reins at White Hart Lane. Villas-Boas managed Hulk with great success at Porto two seasons ago. There has been no word yet on new permanent Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo's views on Hulk, although as has been seen in the past at Stamford Bridge, the manager's opinions are often not a decisive factor in transfer activity.

Hulk may not be the only Brazilian international arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer. Speculation continues to swirl over the future of Inter right-back Maicon. Spanish publication Marca, known to have close links to Real Madrid, reports on Thursday that the 30 year old is close to agreeing terms with Chelsea.

The story claims, though, that Maicon's preferred choice is a reunion with Jose Mourinho in Madrid and will stall on committing himself to Chelsea for as long as possible in the hope that Real will agree a fee with Inter.

It appears increasingly unlikely that fellow South American full-back Alvaro Pereira will be joining the Blues. The Porto left-back has been repeatedly mentioned as a Chelsea target, especially when Villas-Boas was at the helm, but the Uruguayan appears to be staying put.

Many clubs in England and Italy have asked about his situation, the value of his release clause and if Porto would be willing to negotiate, but we are not negotiating with any club, said Pereira's representative, Alexander Savich, according to TalkSport.

Alvaro is not thinking of leaving Porto because he has signed a contract. If there is an interesting offer, it will be Porto who decides.

With Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand already at the club and young Southampton left-back Luke Shaw said to be close to arriving, there appears little need for Pereira's services.

Already having waved goodbye to several players, including Didier Drogba, this summer, Chelsea could be set to dispense with another Champions League winner in Raul Meireles.

Reports have claimed that Napoli have a strong interest in the Portugal international, while Metro now states that Tottenham could also be poised to make an offer. Spurs boss Villas-Boas, of course, made his fellow Portuguese one of his first signings after taking over at Stamford Bridge last summer.

The 29 year old started 23 Premier League games for the Blues last term following his £12 million move from Liverpool.