Chelsea close in on Brazilian star Ramires

It is being reported today that Chelsea are very close to signing the Brazilian star Ramires, who is currently playing at Benfica in La Liga Sagre.

Chelsea put in an official bid of 20m euros on Tuesday, and although Man City are reportedly interested as well, they haven’t made an official offer and Benfica are expected to make a decision in the next couple of days.

The 23 year-old, whos full name is Ramires Santos do Nascimento, is a regular in Brazil’s national side, and is known as “The Blue Kenyan” in his home country, which is a reference to his unflagging stamina (as well as his colour!)

Ramires was very impressive in Brazil’s Group Stage games at the World Cup but was suspended for the defeat to Holland in the Quarter-Finals which put them on the plane home.

Ramires was aware of Chelsea’s interest, and told journalists last month: ‘My agent has told me that a number of clubs are interested in signing me. We all know that the World Cup is the perfect stage to prove your worth.

“It would be a dream for me to play for a big club such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea.”

He certainly sounds like an able replacement for Joe Cole…..