Chelsea Enter Race with Champions League Winners for Lucas Silva - Report

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Brazil star Lucas Silva and are reportedly planning on beating Real Madrid to the midfielder.

Madrid were believed to be closing in on the 21 year old as a possible replacement fro Sami Kadhira, who is currently fielding interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.

But now reports in Spain claim Jose Mourinho is hoping to scupper the deal over the youngster's move to the Champions League trophy holders and plans to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the new year.

This has left ill-feelings between Madrid and the west London club, who 'stormed in' according to Metro as they were discussing the final details over a move for the €15m-rated player.

While Lucas is yet to break into the national side, he has starred for Brazilian club Cruziero who are currently at the top of the table. He has regularly featured for Brazil's youth teams and is believed to be a potential future star who would fit in with Mourinho's plans to create a new generation of top talent.

But with Khedira's contract running out next summer Marca have reported that Carlo Ancelotti wants to replace him with Silva, and the manager will likely now be frustrated over having to fight harder for a player he thought was already close to being confirmed.

Chelsea have so far had a wildly successful transfer strategy under Mourinho, with summer signing Diego Costa shining for the club while Cesc Fabregas has improved their midfield. They sit at the top of the Premier League table at present but the manager will likely continue to build on his squad, which has a Brazilian leaning with the likes of Willian, Ramires and Oscar on board.