Guangzhou Evergrande could launch a bid to sign former Brazil striker Fred in what would represent one of the biggest coups in the history of the Chinese Super League.

The 31-year-old is reportedly disillusioned at Fluminense and has made public his willingness to leave the Brazilian club.

According to local news portal Uol, Fred is a target of Evergrande soccer director Marcello Lippi, who is on a scouting mission for new players in the South American country.

It is understood the Chinese club is open to matching Fred's Fluminense salary of $350,000 a month.

"No 9 is prepared to leave Fluminense because the club has decided they no longer want him," Uol said, adding Evergrande would have to accept Fred's $7.4 million buyout clause.

Fred's discontent with the Rio de Janeiro club has been heightened by the fact he is owed almost two years of image rights.

He also blames "political forces" within the club for orchestrating a fan protest last week that called for his axing from the first team.

Despite the growing schism between Fred and Fluminense's hierarchy, the center forward has recaptured his prolific form after being widely criticized for scoring just one goal during Brazil's World Cup campaign.

The former Lyon forward, who retired from international play after Brazil's humiliating 7-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Germany in July, has responded in the way he knows best - with a glut of goals.

A brace in his team's 5-2 victory over Corinthians on Sunday saw him vault to the top of Brazil's Serie A scoring charts with 17 goals on the season.

It has been reported that Guangzhou has used its former star Conca - now Fred's teammate at Fluminense - as a conduit in negotiations.

Conca enjoyed idol status during his 2 1/2 years with Evergrande before he returned to Fluminense, his former club, in January.

There has even been speculation that Conca himself might return to China after Lippi was seen talking with the Argentine last week.

According to sources close to Guangzhou Evergrande, Lippi's Brazilian wish-list also includes former Selecao striker Leandro Damiao, Parana Clube attacker Thiaguinho and Fluminense quartet Jean, Cicero, Henrique and Bruno.

(China Daily 12/04/2014 page24)