Benfica are ready to open negotiations with Chelsea over Nemanja Matic, according to reports in Portugal.
The Portuguese club are willing to sell Matic this January transfer window and Chelsea are one of the front-runners to this race. However, they want to hold on negotiations with any club until their upcoming clash with FC Porto.
Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, was quoted by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo praising the development and maturity Matic has achieved with the Portuguese side.
The Serbian international is happy at Benfica but Mourinho’s hopes were boosted when the club themselves were willing to sell the star midfielder.
Matic signed for Chelsea in 2009 but only managed two first team appearances before he became part of the deal that brought David Luiz to Stamford Bridge.
But the Blues will face competition from fellow Premier League side Manchester United. Although reports claimed Moyes is not searching the market for any January transfers, the Red Devils have been linked with Matic.
The Reds are beyond desperate to strengthen their side with both Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini failing to convince Moyes and fans of their capabilities. Things aren’t looking very bright for United this season, who currently sit seventh in the league with half the year already over.
Manchester United will also have a hard time convincing top players to join their side following their poor form this campaign.
Source: DSG
