from the Mirror:

Chelsea swoop for Portugal World Cup star

Chelsea are set to snap up Portuguese attacking midfielder Raul Meireles for £15m.

The Porto star, who impressed during the World Cup, is seen as the first stage in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield rebuilding programme after the departures of Michael Ballack and Joe Cole.

Chelsea are believed to have swooped to fend off interest in Meireles from Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.

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from the Mirror:

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You should read some of these comments:

http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-fc-porto-news/12931-raul-meireles-headed-to-chelsea

It very dangerous to buy a player on the back of a competition...he looks far too defensive and lacks creativity.

Real wants to buy him...

I thought he played brightly in the world cup but I don't know. Is he a quality player? Haven't seen Porto's games lately.

Seems to me we are now being linked with just about every average midfielder from the WC. Sports Editors thinking: Chelsea have let go of two central midfielders, who didn't suck at the WC? Ah Ramires, Raul Meireles we'll put one in the paper each day. It's pure rubbish.

As far as I can see he is just another midfielder of average quality, who works hard and is reasonably fit. Then again he is probably no worse than Milner and City are going to pay 30 mil for him. Personally if we are going to sign Portuguese midfielders in their late 20's then we should resign Tiago. He'll be just as good and come about 10mil cheaper, plus he scored 'that goal.' Jose's reaction was the best ever.

the same story on imscouting.com, this time quoting a £12 million offer:

Chelsea tracking Portugese midfielder Raul Meireles Chelsea are looking to bolster their midfield and are considering a bid for Porto'sRaul Meireles . 27-year-old Meireles enjoyed an impressive World Cup and has scored a total of six goals in 37 international appearances. He has been at Porto since 2005.

A box-to-box midfielder, he is more of a goal provider than a scorer, but has an excellent shot, especially from long-range. While being a very physical player, Meireles also has exceptional technical ability. Although Meireles is also apparently a target for Real Madrid, the Daily Mailreports that Chelsea are considering a £12million bid.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to boost his midfield in advance of next season, with Chelsea having released both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole . Yossi Benayounhas already arrived at Stamford Bridge, but Meireles now appears to be a target.

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interesting player, had a good wc but have not seen a lot from him and is kind of unknown to me.

anyone remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQTEI34GWE0

This would be another bad signing. What happened to adding good, young players. If this is true we have signed to older, ok players. One 27 and one 30 years old. Not the direction to go.