Chelsea F.C. are reportedly on the verge of signing Tottenham Hotspur target Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee of £30 million, Sky Sports understands.
Willian, who underwent a medical at Tottenham earlier this week, had been tipped to join Spurs in a deal worth £30 million, but the Brazilian ace is now expected to reject a move to White Hart Lane in order to team-up with compatriots David Luiz, Oscar and Ramires at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazil international, 25, remains a top priority for Spurs, but the bookmakers and manager Jose Mourinho are under the impression that a move to Chelsea is rather imminent.
Thus, Willian is 1/8 to sign for Chelsea before 3 September, with Spurs (5/1) and Liverpool (33/1) set to miss out on the 25-year-old play-maker.
When asked if Willian was about to join the Blues, Mourinho nodded and then said: “I think he’s already made his decision.
“I don’t like to speak before time because football can be crazy. I know what the player wants, so in this moment we cannot hide. That is a possibility.
“Every one of us managers will say we are happy with our squad, but we are always unhappy. We always want something more, something of more quality and never close the door to the possibility of adding more quality.
“Before Aston Villa I told you we have Plan B and Plan C so I was letting the door open to other possibilities.”
The potential arrival of Willian will open the door for a departure from Stamford Bridge amid speculation linking Juan Mata with a move to Manchester United.
However, the most likely scenario is undoubtedly a season-long loan for odd-man-out Victor Moses, who may find it difficult, if not impossible, to break into the Blues’ first-team this season.
“I want a 22 player squad so if somebody comes, somebody leaves,” added Mourinho.
“Do we need to sell, no we don’t. Do we need to loan, probably yes because I don’t like to work with big squads. I like to work with a small group of players, and I say 22 is a perfect number for our needs in different competitions.”
Matty Phillips to QPR
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Scotland international winger Matty Phillips from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, according to the club’s official website, www.qpr.co.uk.
Phillips, 22, joined Blackpool from Wycombe Wanderers for an initial fee of £350,000 in the summer of 2010 following the Seasiders’ promotion to the Premier League.
The Scotland international made 27 league appearances for Blackpool in England’s top-flight in 2010/11, tallying one goal and four assists as Ian Holloway’s suffered relegation despite a number of tremendous performances.
Phillips, who is currently recovering from a recent arm operation, will wear the No. 7 shirt once he returns to full training in the coming weeks.
The 22-year-old winger is absolutely delighted with the move, as QPR continue to spend in order to win their way back to the Premier League.
“QPR are a club with huge ambition,” said Phillips.
“The direction in which the club is heading, with the signings that have already been made this summer, it seems like the perfect time to come here.
“We all know what Harry Redknapp is about and personally I can’t wait to play for him.
“I’ve had a taste of the Premier League and nothing would please me more than to help get QPR back into the top flight.
“I’m very excited to be here and relishing the opportunity to play for the club.”
Phillips bagged four goals and four assists in 34 league appearances for Blackpool last term.
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