Rio de Janeiro:  Chinese football club Tianjin Quanjian are reportedly preparing a bid to sign former Brazil international striker Alexandre Pato from Villarreal.

The 27-year-old has struggled for consistency since joining the Spanish club from Corinthians in July, managing just six goals in 24 appearances, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Tianjin Quanjian coach Fabio Cannavaro is understood to be a fan of Pato, who is contracted to Villarreal until 2020.

The Chinese outfit already have Brazilian strikers Luis Fabiano and Geuvanio in their squad.

Tianjin Quanjian earned promotion to the Chinese Super League after winning last year's second division title. IANS