Chelsea set to make double swoop for Villas-Boas’ favourites
Published:When Jose Mourinho first arrived at Stamford Bridge he brought with him a whole host of players from former club Porto and it now appears that new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is set to do the same.
According to reports, a Chelsea negotiator has arrived in Portugal to discuss a double swoop for Alvaro Pereira and Joao Moutinho, with the aim of securing the signature of both players before the close of the transfer window.
It is thought that a deal to sign Pereira will be announced in the next few days, with the Uruguayan left wing-back set to cost in the region of £17 – £22million.
Pereira is said to be Villas-Boas’ top target from his former club, with the Chelsea boss only expected to make a move for Moutinho if he is unsuccessful in bringing Tottenham’s Luka Modric to the club.
Modric remains the club’s top target to bolster their midfield, but as yet they have yet to improve their offer of £27million for the Croatian; although an offer of £30million is thought to be imminent.
If Spurs refuse to change their stance on Modric, Villa-Boas will look to one of his favourite players during his single season at Porto and offer £26million for the 24-year-old Moutinho.
Chelsea are currently 3/1 to bring the Premier League trophy back to Stamford Bridge, but their chances could significantly improve if Villas-Boas is able to bring new recruits in before the window closes at the end of the month.
Reportedly the club are planning three major signings – one left sided player, one central midfielder and a right-sided attacker or striker – and are expected to spend at least £70million.
They were also this week linked with Arsenal target Juan Mata, although no contact has been made with the Spanish World Cup winner’s club Valencia, who are thought to be willing to let him go for £26million.
