Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Seamus Coleman Bid Planned by Jose Mourinho

You wouldn't think Jose Mourinho's star-studded Chelsea squad needs any more talent. Yet the Portuguese boss is still ready to add established Premier League defender Seamus Coleman to the ranks.

Mail On Sunday reporter Sam Cunningham believes Mourinho is finally ready to follow up long-term interest in the skilled and industrious Everton full-back:

"

Chelsea are preparing a £20million summer move for Everton full back Seamus Coleman.

The Republic of Ireland defender has forged a reputation as one of the best right backs in the Premier League and Jose Mourinho is a confirmed admirer.

Everton are wary of interest in Coleman, signed for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in 2009, and have been scouting for possible replacements.

"

One of the replacements mentioned by Cunningham is Barcelona's precocious young talent Martin Montoya. Manager Roberto Martinez is reportedly keen to explore a loan deal for the 23-year-old, according to Liverpool Echo writer Peter Guy.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

However, Guy noted Montoya is being targeted as support for Coleman, rather than as a direct replacement for the veteran Irishman:

"

Roberto Martinez is hoping his good relations with the Spanish giants, following Gerard Deulofeu’s successful season-long loan last term, will see the Camp Nou outfit lend them the 23-year-old.

...

Roberto Martinez is looking to bring in some top quality cover for Seamus Coleman and has pinpointed Montoya as the perfect player to provide that.

"

Guy's report doesn't make it sound as though Everton are ready to part company with Coleman. But it's probably fair to assume the 26-year-old will have something to say if Chelsea do indeed tempt the Toffees with such a hefty bid.

Mourinho may feel the time is right to seriously explore a replacement for solid Serbia international Branislav Ivanovic. The 30-year-old is a tough defender and very willing going forward.

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

However, few full-backs in England's top flight attack with the zest of converted winger Coleman. His pace and dynamism on the flanks make him a considerable threat.

Those qualities have also made him integral to Everton's style of play. Martinez loves his team to be expansive and a staple of his philosophy is for full-backs to supplement attacks and provide natural width.

That's what makes Chelsea's interest so intriguing. If Martinez wants his full-backs to raid forward, Mourinho is the polar opposite. If ever there was manager happy to extol the virtues of a flat back four, the ex-Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid gaffer is it.

But things are steadily changing at Chelsea. Mourinho will still go defensive when he feels the situation demands, but his current Chelsea vintage plays with a little more forward-thinking swagger.

The arrival of playmaker Cesc Fabregas, along with the development of attacking midfielders Eden Hazard and Oscar, has ensured that. With multiple players able to thread passes between the lines, Chelsea are rightly committing more bodies forward.

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

That includes the full-backs. Ivanovic himself has benefited, netting two goals already this campaign, per WhoScored.com.

Fabregas endorsed Chelsea's growing style after the club's recent 2-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion, per Sunday Express reporter Anthony Chapman:

"

I don’t think I am exaggerating if I don’t remember playing and enjoying a football match as much as I did personally in the first half.

We played outstanding football. It is always difficult after internationals because the team doesn’t have time to work on many things and prepare the game but I enjoyed it a lot, particularly the first 45 minutes.

"

There's no doubt Coleman could thrive in Chelsea's increasingly expansive mode of play. Still only 26, but possessing ample top-flight experience, he would give Chelsea a solid defender with great drive going forward. He is entering his prime and eager to win major trophies.

Those qualities could even offset what is a steep price tag and make Coleman a smart and worthy investment for the league leaders.