Transfer Centre

Report: Chelsea send scouts to watch Portuguese trio

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 February 2019

A report claims that Chelsea had scouts present for Wednesday's clash between Portuguese heavyweights Benfica and Sporting Lisbon to run the rule over three players.

Chelsea have reportedly sent scouts to watch a trio of Portuguese players as they prepare for life after Eden Hazard.

The Blues are bracing themselves for Hazard's end-of-season exit to Real Madrid following a number of hints dropped by the Belgium international in recent months.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo suggests that Chelsea already have their eyes on a couple of replacement options, with scouts present for Wednesday's Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

The report indicates that midfielders Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes were being watched closely, while defender Ruben Dias was also under observation.

Benfica have already warned rival clubs that they value Felix at £105m, however, which would likely eat up the entire fee Madrid will pay to sign Hazard.

Felix has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Primeira Liga thanks to five goals in his last seven appearances, including a strike in the league win over Sporting.

Fernandes is also rated highly and has another four years to run on his contract, as does talented centre-back Dias.