Chelsea Transfer News: World-Class Talents Reportedly Eyed by Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has reportedly urged Sergio Ramos to join Chelsea if contract negotiations at Real Madrid fail to meet his expectations.

Former Los Blancos sporting director Arrigo Sacchi recently suggested Madrid president Florentino Perez is unwilling to meet Ramos' financial demands, reported by Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC).

Ramos denied this claim, saying, "I do not do things for money," reported by Spanish radio show El Larguero and via Corrigan. He continued, "I do not believe there will be any type of problem to reach an agreement." Even so, Ben Jefferson of the Express suggests "Mourinho has also been in touch to reaffirm that he would like the 28-year-old at Stamford Bridge."

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Sacchi, who continues to have his say on the matter, recently told Ramos to stay put. "You have to stay where you are," he said, per Jefferson. "Look at (Andriy) Shevchenko and Kaka, who left solid situations for greater salary, and it cut short their careers. You’re in the right place at Madrid, so you should stay."

This isn't the first time Mourinho has been linked with a bid for one of his former Bernabeu stars. Raphael Varane has also been touted for a west London switch in the past, with Mourinho often favouring physical, combative types to prop up his defence.

Ramos is a wily, hard-hitting defender, whose eagerness to win the ball can often spill over. Like Chelsea captain John Terry, he is an excellent reader of the game and aerially dominant whether he's defending his own box or attacking the opposition's.

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Sticking with Madrid-based defenders, Atletico's Diego Godin has ended speculation suggesting he could move to Chelsea or Manchester United. The Blues have regularly been linked with the Uruguayan over the years, but it's clear he wishes to remain at the Vicente Calderon for quite some time, reported by ESPN (h/t Hannah Duncan of the Metro):

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At this point, I feel that I’m in the best time of my career and I still see my retirement (as) very far (away). I would like to stay many years (at Atletico Madrid). But it is true that I also have an attraction from my country and at any point in the future I would like to return to Uruguay, to respond to the love they have showed me.

"

Turkish newspaper Amkspor (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star) reports that Kurt Zouma will be sent on loan to Besiktas in January, a deal which could free up space for a defensive addition.

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Mourinho is reportedly looking to add the young talent of Lucas Silva to his squad, per David Wright of the Express. Chelsea are among those alleged to be willing to meet the midfielder's £13 million valuation and appear to have received a boost in the hunt for his signature from Real Madrid.

Los Blancos president, Florentino Perez, recently admitted the club aren't looking to spend in January, saying: "Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, we will not bring reinforcements in the winter transfer market," per Wright.

Spanish publication Marca also doubted the Spanish side's commitment. "Just when it seemed that Lucas Silva would be brought in from Cruzeiro to Real Madrid, new developments have changed the situation," reads the Madrid-affiliated newspaper's report. Luka Modric's return to action is highlighted as a potential reason why the European champions appear to have gone cold on the transfer.

Silva's qualities are highlighted below:

Perez's unwillingness to buy could also aid Chelsea's immediate chances of signing Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund, linked to the club by Jamie Anderson of the Express. Mourinho may need to act in January, and therefore bypass his £20 million summer buyout clause, to secure such a deal.

The manager is reportedly planning to build his side around the imminent contract signing of Eden Hazard, who is set to ink a long-term extension with the Premier League leaders, reported by The Sun and via Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4:

Chelsea possess an extremely well-rounded squad, which boosts quality cover in every position. It's likely that sensible January signings will tighten things up, but it's never beyond Mourinho to bring in another world-class star when it's least expected.

He landed the likes of Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah last winter, so he could improve his squad even further after Christmas.