Blues Sign Portugese Playmaker Deco

In a move that could signal the departure of midfielder Frank Lampard, Chelsea FC have announced that they have signed Barcelona star Deco.

After Barça told Deco that he was not in their immediate plans, the West London club swooped in to sign the Portuguese player. It is believed that Chelsea have settled upon a two-year contract with a transfer fee somewhere in the neighborhood of 11 million pounds.

The former Catalan player stated his Champions League ambitions on chelseafc.com today. "I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and come back to being the first one, not only in England but also to win the Champions League that has been their dream for so long."

This signing marks the first under the Luiz Felipe Scolari, who reunites with the midfielder from his days as the Portugal national team head coach, though Scolari is not officially on the job until tomorrow.

Deco will play among some of the best playmakers in the world in the Chelsea midfield, which features the likes of Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Jon Obi Mikel and Claude Makalele.

However, the crowded Chelsea midfield will most likely be thinned over the next few weeks. An article from Goal.com has claimed that Italian side Inter Milan have already agreed upon a deal with Frank Lampard, though Chelsea have stated they would rather let Lampard "rot in the reserves" than transfer.

Lampard and Chelsea have yet to reach a contract extension, though the player stated his desire to remain with the club until his retirement.

Scolari, as well, has stated a strong desire to see Lampard remain with the club. ESPN Soccernet has reported that resigning him is at the top of Scolari's list from day one on the job.

Another player linked with former coach Jose Mourinho's club is Ricardo Carvalho. Scolari has an existing relationship with the defender, however, he will be hard pressed to keep him at the club. Reports have stated that Brazilian full back Alcides has been recalled from loan at PSV Eindhoven to replace Carvalho.

The next few weeks should be very busy for the Brazilian coach as he decides who will remain on the team and who will not, who will return for his tutelage and who will leave to play for another side.