Chelsea target Brazilian wonderkid Anderson Talisca

Chelsea (7/1 to lift the Champions League with Coral) are reportedly primed to swoop in and snatch Benfica’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca.

Despite currently topping the Premier League, and with a host of blockbuster options available in offence, Jose Mourinho is apparently not prepared to rest on his laurels.

The straight-talking Blues boss, and former Porto and Benfica manager, is aware of the attention Brazil Under-20 starlet Talisca is attracting. Mercurial Mourinho seems to have been tracking the youngster closely, and recently stated that only work permit problems prevented the exciting attacker’s transfer to a top-flight team on British shores this summer.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, Mourinho said: “They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he’s only not playing in England because he doesn’t have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!

“There were many English teams, great teams and important, that wanted him. Moreover, there were those who wanted to sign him, even though he could not play for now.”

These comments from the controversial coach, and Chelsea’s presence in Lisbon, have only heightened rumours that the Blues will take the opportunity to make enquiries about a summer swoop for Talisca.

Still just 20 years of age, the youngster rose through the ranks at Salvador-based Brazilian club Bahia, but played just one season with their senior side before being snapped up by Benfica.

Talisca has since caused a stir in Portugal, netting five times in six league outings for the Eagles, including an eye-catching hat-trick against Vitoria Setubal, Mourinho’s hometown club.

If Chelsea can fend off the apparent competition for talented Talisca, they would boost an already impressive Brazilian contingent at Stamford Bridge, including Filipe Luis, Oscar, Ramires and Willian. The Blues also already have Lucas Piazon, another exciting young Brazilian attacker, waiting in the wings.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt but the possible addition of Talisca would restrict his chances of a triumphant return to west London.

Chelsea may hold the advantage in any transfer wrangle for Talisca, due to their strong links in Portugal, including involvement in several past deals with Benfica.

Having previously forked out large sums of money for former Eagles stars David Luiz and Nemanja Matic, the Blues have a history of completing high-profile signings with Portuguese clubs and will feel confident about securing the services of another Iberian-based talent.