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The charismatic London strategist Jose Mourinho has stated that he hopes to bring Portuguese national team star Simao to his team this summer.
The 26-year-old defender has been interested in another English club for over a year now, but negotiations that occurred last summer fell through when the teams couldn't agree on a suitable transfer fee. However, this shouldn't be a problem for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who doesn't shy away from spending money on new players.
It's already clear that one of the current full-backs at the London club - Joe Cole, Arjen Robben, Damien Duff, or Shaun Wright-Phillips - will not remain, and Simao is the main candidate to fill the gap.
"Simao is of sufficient quality to play in the Chelsea team," said Mourinho, recognized as the best coach of the year in Portugal. "We have four fantastic players in his position, but one will definitely leave this summer. Simao could come in their place, but negotiations with Benfica are still ongoing."
It's also possible that Simao won't be the only purchase from Benfica for Chelsea - Mourinho has not hidden his desire to acquire an experienced third goalkeeper, with the main candidate so far being the goalkeeper Quim from the Lisbon club.
"We will buy an experienced goalkeeper - someone who has played in important matches and would be calm when unexpectedly stepping onto the field," Mourinho stated.
