Agent: Carvalho's in London

Chelsea have flown Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho into London with a view to completing a transfer worth around £20m (€30.2m), according to Portuguese newspaper website A Bola.

The site quotes Carvalho’s agent Jorge Mendes – who also represents Blues manager Jose Mourinho – and a deal is reported to be close with the Porto player, who was a star at Euro 2004.

“There is an agreement between the clubs for Ricardo Carvalho,” Mendes said.

“This evening we will begin to negotiate the contract of the player. I can’t say any more because we still haven’t signed.”

Real Madrid were reported to be interested in Carvalho, while Mourinho stated earlier this week that he was targeting a central defender.