Chelsea Transfer News: Andre Silva Scouted Amid Manchester United Rumours

Chelsea reportedly had scouts in attendance at Porto’s clash with Club Brugge on Tuesday to take a closer look at star striker Andre Silva.

The Portugal international scored the winner in the UEFA Champions League clash, continuing his exceptional form in the 2016-17 season.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Thomas McIlroy of the Daily Star) while there were representatives from 26 teams at the Estadio do Dragao, the Blues and Manchester United were there specifically to keep tabs on Silva.

The Porto man has been in sublime form this season and looks poised to be the next big name to depart the club for a huge fee.

Here’s a look at why there’s so much buzz about the 20-year-old:

Silva’s exploits at the point of the attack have really caught the eye. The forward has played as both a centre-forward and a split striker at times this season—a testament to his versatility and broad skill set—showcasing a lot of talent for a player that’s still young.

While Silva can link the play, find opponents with key passes and dribble past opponents, it’s his cold blood in front of goal that’s stood out.

Squawka Football provided a breakdown of his exceptional recent form:

Chelsea have Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi on their books, giving manager Antonio Conte two very capable options up top. However, the Italian coach has been limited to playing one-striker systems this term; another quality centre-forward would allow the Blues to setup in myriad different ways.

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Silva could well be that man, although signing him may prove to be a costly process. As noted in the report, the youngster recently penned a new five-year contract at the club, including a whopping release clause of £52 million.

Indeed, Portuguese football journalist Tom Kundert believes Porto would be wise to keep him on board until after the 2018 FIFA World Cup:

Silva’s showings this season have been extremely impressive, and it’s natural he’s caught the attention of some of the game’s juggernauts. Nonetheless, for Chelsea or United to part with the amount aforementioned at this stage would be a huge gamble.

Mikel John Obi Set for Blues Exit

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According to Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard, Mikel John Obi’s Chelsea career is close to ending, as the club will not extend his contract.

The Nigerian’s deal is set to run out at the end of this season, and according to Johnson, the 29-year-old could even move on in the January window. Under Conte, Obi has yet to be included in a matchday squad, with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic forming a tremendous partnership at the crux of the side.

Johnson noted that Marseille are keen on landing the midfielder, as are sides from Major League Soccer, the Chinese Super League and the Middle East. The holding player joined Chelsea in 2006 from Lyn Oslo and has been an important part of one of the most decorated spells in the team’s history.

As Squawka noted last month, during his time as a player, Obi has been far from prolific in the Premier League, with his main asset undoubtedly his defensive skills:

Given the talismanic figures Chelsea have had at Stamford Bridge in recent years, Obi’s impact has occasionally been understated. While occasionally maligned, he’s a physical and intelligent midfield man.

Indeed, there’s no doubt the Nigeria international still possesses the ability to make an impression at a high-profile side elsewhere should he move on in January. Given the service he’s given to the Blues down the years, he’d surely receive unanimous support in any future endeavours.