Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato says he intends to return to Europe in January.

The former AC Milan star has been linked with Liverpool and West Ham United in recent weeks. Pato, himself, has claimed he almost joined Manchester United in the final days of the summer market.

Pato has impressed over the past 18 months on-loan at Sao Paulo.

"My future? I do not know yet, but I hope to return soon to Europe," he told Globo Esporte.

Corinthians are adamant they will sell Pato in January.