Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba Blow, Jose Mourinho Boosts Anderson Talisca

Paul Pogba remains one of the most wanted youngsters in football, with Chelsea among the Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested in signing the Juventus man.

Unfortunately for potential buyers, the Serie A champions are on the verge of getting Pogba to ink a new deal, as reported by Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke:

Pogba has developed into a world-class midfielder since leaving Manchester United. Still only 21, the powerful Frenchman has played a key role in Juventus' last two title wins, as well as their consecutive Supercoppa Italiana victories. He was voted the 2014 FIFA World Cup's best young player and has also enjoyed a positive start to the season with the Old Lady, as noted below:

	Serie A	Champions League
Appearances	5	2
Goals	0	0
Assists	1	0
Averages per game:
Shots	2.2	2
Tackles	2.8	3.5
Completed dribbles	2.8	2
Pass completion	79.4%	84.9%

In July, Mourinho, in his role as Yahoo's Global Football Ambassador, hailed Pogba as "the best young player" (via Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express). Juventus may be wary of letting the developing powerhouse leave and would certainly be wise to confirm his new contract.

Arturo Vidal reportedly remains on the radar of Manchester United, per Nick Ames of The Guardian, so Massimiliano Allegri won't want to lose both components of his monstrous central partnership. Football writer David Amoyal reports comments from Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta, who confirms the club have batted away interest for both players:

Mourinho could turn to emerging Benfica star Anderson Talisca, another individual he has lavished praise on in the past. Chelsea are linked to the Brazilian midfielder by Alex Harris of the Daily Star, who writes that Arsenal and Liverpool are also tempted to meet his £18 million buyout clause.

"I think Benfica hired well," Mourinho said upon the player's transfer in September, per Sean Gallagher of the Mail Online. "They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he's only not playing in England because he doesn't have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Talisca recently thanked Mourinho and Benfica boss Jorge Jesus for their support, as reported by Harris: "I was happy because this is due to the work I'm doing. The two coaches are high quality and I only have to thank them. I know these things happen because I'm doing well and doing the right things. I'm doing my job and want to continue to do it step by step."

Mourinho's quotes hint that he may well have signed Talisca by now if it wasn't for work permit issues. The 20-year-old has posted an impressive six goals in seven Liga Sagres matches this season, per WhoScored.com, including a hat-trick against Vitoria de Setubal.

He is a feisty midfielder, someone who isn't afraid to put a challenge in (whether he wins the ball or not), and he could develop brilliantly under Mourinho's tutelage. Talisca's rapid progress at Benfica is likely to see him eventually moved on for a hefty fee, as the Portuguese club rarely hold on to their top talents once they become established on the continent.

Talisca is capable of driving forward with Yaya Toure-like efficiency. He is naturally suited to the physical game and flaunts a decent change of pace to burst away from his marker. Mourinho admires powerful stars who also have incisive footballing ability. Nemanja Matic is becoming more of an attacking threat at Chelsea and is an example of Benfica cashing in on their best investments when a rich club comes calling.

Mourinho's current Blues midfield is extremely well rounded. Matic provides the basis for Cesc Fabregas to utilise his creative spark by patrolling the halfway line, a duty both Pogba and Talisca can carry out. All of these players are useful when entering the opposition's box, underlining the multifaceted quality Mourinho hunts in his signings.

Both of these potential transfers could be slow burners. It seems Pogba is committed to Juventus, while Talisca needs to continue establishing himself before a work permit to England would be granted. Pogba is certainly the bigger name and more expensive player, but it's likely Talisca's stock will become more and more synonymous with the quality Benfica fans have observed since the start of the season.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Chelsea's squad is crammed to the brink, but Mourinho is never one to miss an opportunity to sign a player he admires. Should either individual become a realistic target for English clubs, the Special One's directed praise indicates he will be at the front of the queue.