Chelsea transfer would be a dream move, says Shakhtar Donetsk star Douglas Costa

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa has opened the door to a January transfer after publicly expressing his desire to join Chelsea.

The Brazil international, regularly linked with a move to the west London club, has been a star player for the Ukrainian side since joining them in 2010. He had earlier admitted that he would be interested in joining the Blues.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was delighted to know Costa's interest to play for the Premier League leaders. The Shakhtar star claims that he is keen to work under the Portuguese tactician and would love to linkup with his former teammate Willian at Stamford Bridge.

"To play at Chelsea is a dream for any player. It is standing next to some of the best players in the world and competing with the world's best as well," Costa told GloboEsporte.com.

"But really, what catches my eye is the coach. He is a very intelligent coach and has been victorious wherever he went. One of the things that would make me happier to act at Chelsea would be this."

Mohamed Salah joined Chelsea from FC Basel last January and has hardly featured since making a switch to England. Costa is aware that he will face competition at the Bridge and could even suffer a similar fate as the Egyptian. However, he is ready for the challenge.

"Things need to happen first and then I think about it. But it would be fair competition. The main objective now is we have a change, playing the Premier League," the Brazilian said.

"Regardless of holding or not, I would get my room, as I always did. The biggest challenge is to go there to play the Premier League."

The 24-year-old also went on to heap praise on his Ukrainian outfit's manager Mircea Lucescu after helping him improve as a player at Shakhtar.

"I learned a lot here with Lucesc. I arrived at Shakhtar aged 19 and he taught me a lot. I am very grateful. But I also know that with Mourinho at Chelsea, my progress would be even greater," Costa stressed.

"He has won just about everything. He is among the best, if not the best. He is at the top."