Chelsea offer to buy Japan striker Muto

English Premier League leaders Chelsea have offered to buy Japan striker Yoshinori Muto from FC Tokyo, the J-League club confirmed on Thursday.

Japanese media Sports Nippon reported Chelsea offered about four million pounds ($5.9 million), which would be a J-League record from an overseas club.

"It is true that we have received an official offer from Chelsea for Muto," said a club spokesman.

Muto expressed his delight at the offer but didn't disclose his intentions.

"Nothing has been decided. I'm honoured to receive an offer from this wonderful team," the 22-year-old Muto said.

Muto began his professional career at FC Tokyo last year, scoring 13 goals in 33 games to match the first-division record for a player in his rookie season.

He has scored three goals in four games this season, helping FC Tokyo move into joint second place in the J-League standings just two points behind leaders Urawa Reds.