Newz Forum: SOCCER: Tiago close to Chelsea move

Chelsea are hoping to complete the signing of Benfica's Tiago in the next 24 hours. The midfielder, part of Portugal's squad at Euro 2004, reportedly underwent a medical in London on Monday after flying in to finalise his move to Stamford Bridge.

New Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho insisted last week that all transfer deals must be concluded before the club depart on their pre-season tour of the United States on Wednesday.

BBC Sport

The Blues are thought to have agreed a fee of about 10m for the 23-year-old, who is in London undergoing a medical.

"The negotiations are advancing and we expect to close a deal on Tuesday," chief executive Peter Kenyon told Portuguese radio.

Tiago is under contract with Benfica until 2007 but is keen to leave due to differences with the club's new chief Jose Veiga.

"I would not feel good if I stayed at Benfica," he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

"If everything goes well, my present and future will be at Chelsea."