Jose Mourinho's Chelsea could be set to beat Premiership rivals Liverpool to the signing of Benfica captain Simão Sabrosa.

Reports emanating from Portugal claim Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal with Benfica for the Portugal winger.

Simão is a product of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s previous club, Sporting Lisbon’s, youth system just like Luís Figo and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo but moved to Lisbon arch-rivals SL Benfica in 2001.

Simão has been a long-term transfer for Liverpool and he was close to moving to Anfield last summer only for Benfica to increase the asking price at the last minute.

He is considered to be one of the best players currently playing in the Portuguese championship. He is a very quick attacking midfielder/wing forward with a lightning fast dribble and a taste for scoring decisive goals.

Chelsea have been keeping an eye on the former Barcelona player and it has been suggested that they are ready to make a move for Simão.

Benfica are keen to keep their captain, but they know they are likely to have to field further bids for the player when the transfer window reopens.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is believed to be a big fan of Simão and sees him as a key addition to his star-studded squad at Stamford Bridge.

Simão has admitted in the past he would be interested in a move to England and Chelsea's financial muscle would mean Benfica would find it hard to resist their overtures.

Should Simão seal a move to West London he could be one of three new signings Mourinho wants for next season.

Chelsea have apparently already agreed a 4-year contract with Germany captain and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack and Mourinho believes he needs three new faces to freshen his squad up this summer with departures expected at Stamford Bridge.

“We change three players,” said Mourinho.

“Three players who want to play more and are not very happy in the club, or some players I am frustrated with and have nothing to give us.

“I change them for three other players. I would say three players will come in in the summer. It is the natural process.

“We have a good squad, players at a good age, not players finishing their career. [Claude] Makelele is the oldest player [33] and he looks the youngest one.

“We don't have big needs. The natural tendency is we get a defender, a midfielder and an attacker.”

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