Shandong Luneng reveal interest in Brazil striker

Brazil's Diego Tardelli celebrates after scoring a first goal against Argentina during the international friendly soccer match titled "The Super Classic of the Americas", at the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, October 11, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Shandong Luneng are considering a bid to sign Atletico Mineiro's Brazil striker Diego Tardelli, the Chinese Super League club said on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has held talks with Shandong Luneng's Brazilian coach Cuca about a move in early 2015, according to Brazilian sports news portal Sambafoot.

"I have already spoken with Atletico Mineiro about Tardelli," Cuca was quoted as saying. "He wants to leave. If the club accepts his departure and wants him to work with us, I will bring him here to Shandong."

Shandong Luneng are understood to have offered Tardelli a monthly salary of 400,000 US dollars.

His chances of leaving Atletico have been heightened by the Brazilian outfit's mounting debt concerns and reports of delayed salary payments.

Tardelli scored 10 goals from 23 Brazilian Serie A matches in 2014. He was recalled to Brazil's squad by national coach Dunga in September.