Chelsea confident of Tiago switch - reports

Benfica midfielder Tiago will have a medical at Chelsea today as his move to the Premiership club nears completion, according to reports in the Portuguese press.

Sports daily O Jogo wrote today that Tiago, who was a member of Portugal’s Euro 2004 squad, was in London to finalise the switch.

“The deal is practically complete,” Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon told O Jogo.

“Benfica have given their permission for the player to come to London and [on Monday] he will have a medical.

“If everything goes to plan, Tiago will be officially presented as a Chelsea player on Tuesday.”

New Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho insisted last week that all transfer deals must be concluded before the club depart on their pre-season tour of the United States on Wednesday.

As well as Tiago, Mourinho hopes to complete the signing of Marseille striker Didier Drogba before the tour commences.

Tiago, 23, began his career with Sporting Braga but has played for Lisbon giants Benfica since the 2001-02 season.