English Premier League club Charlton Athletic is considering a swoop for Japan winger Alessandro Santos.
Santos, who made his debut for Japan against Ukraine in March, impressed during the World Cup, and Charlton manager Alan Curbishley said Friday he was interested in the Brazilian-born star.
"He can play in a few positions and we've been having a look at him," Charlton manager Alan Curbishley said Friday.
Santos' J. League club Shimizu S-Pulse has yet to receive an offer from Charlton, but soccer sources said the London-based club is talking with the 25-year-old's agent.
Three Japan internationals have already secured transfers to European clubs over the summer. Midfielder Junichi Inamoto moved to Premier League side Fulham while striker Takayuki Suzuki joined Belgian champion Genk.
Shunsuke Nakamura, who was left out of the Japan World Cup squad, moved to newly promoted Serie A side Reggina.
Santos, J. League player of the year in 1999, who came to Japan as a high school student in 1994, has made 157 league appearances for Shimizu, scoring 42 goals in six seasons with the first-division club.