Jose Mourinho says Oscar has long-term future at Chelsea despite exit reports

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Oscar has a long-term future at Stamford Bridge even though recent reports have claimed the Portuguese manager is considering ditching the Brazil international this summer.

Some reports claimed Oscar had fallen out of favour with Mourinho after failing to make an impact in the second part of the current campaign.

Oscar, however, denied he had any plans to leave West London earlier in the week and Mourinho has now confirmed he wants the Brazil international to remain.

"He just signed a new contract. He is one of the players with the best contracts, long-term contracts. He is in the best period of his career and we don't want to sell."

Meanwhile, the manager admitted Atletico Paranaense youngster Nathan has "a potential for the future" amid reports claiming his signature for the Blues is imminent.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week the West London club were on the verge of completing the signing of the 19-year-starlet after agreeing a fee of £4.5m ($6.6m) with the Brazilian club, and that the playmaker had already passed a medical on Tuesday.

Mourinho refused to deny the interest in the player although he suggested the deal is not closed just yet.

"He is a player with potential for the future. If the deal closes, I will try to help but at the moment he is not a player I am waiting for. I am focused on my team, my job."

Meanwhile and speaking ahead of the game against Manchester United on Saturday 18 April, the boss has also played down the injury crisis at Louis van Gaal's squad to face the game while claiming he also has doubts over striking duo Loic Remy and Diego Costa.

He said he was focused on finishing the current campaign in the best possible way ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Saturday.

The Premier League leaders have another chance to get nearer the title against a side weakened by injuries to Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind.

Asked whether Chelsea were in a good position to beat United, Mourinho said: "I disagree. Their squad is amazing.

"Every week, on a big screen, I have their squad and all their options. I realise what they have and it's amazing. Van Gaal is fantastic at developing kids. I went to QPR with Drogba and no strikers on the bench and for a long time because of suspensions -- some of them YOUR suspensions because you [TV] decide who is to be suspended."

The Chelsea boss also played down any expectations over the return of Juan Mata to West London for the first time since he was sold to United.

"I have no thoughts (about his return). He is a player with a history at this club. Everyone has respect for him as a player. If things are going well, everyone is happy for him. He is a very correct boy and a great professional."