Blues eye Benfica anchorman

Chelsea are thought to be monitoring the progress of Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia as they look to bolster their squad of the new season.

The Blues are expected to ship out the likes of John Obi Mikel and Jose Bosingwa at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign which has left them perilously close to missing out on Champions League football next year.

And with Saloman Kalou and Florent Malouda’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the club will be looking to bring in reinforcements in the summer.

His performances have attracted the interest of Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus in recent months, but it is Chelsea who will be looking to snare the combative midfielder from their European counterparts.

The West London giants have been looking to bring in a holding midfielder following a series of lacklustre displays in both the Premiership and the Champions League.

25-year-old Garcia will fit the bill perfectly and owner Roman Abramovich is willing to fork out the reported £25m release clause that the Spaniard, who is yet to make an appearance for the national side, has inserted in his contract. 

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