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Chelsea sent scouts to watch transfer target Anderson Talisca in action for Benfica during their 3-0 win over Belenenses at the weekend.
The Blues have been monitoring the striker since he was at Brazilian side Bahia and reportedly wanted to sign him in the summer and loan the 20-year-old to Vitesse Arnhem.
Work permit issues prevented the move from coming to fruition and he joined Benfica instead for just £3.2m.
Talisca has starred for the Portuguese club so far this term, scoring 11 goals in all competitions and played a major role in their climb to the top of the table.
He was selected by Brazil for the first time last month for friendlies against Turkey and Austria, which should help ease problems over a work permit in the future.
Benfica have put a £35m release clause in his contract, but they have sold a number of their prize assets in recent seasons.
Chelsea have a close bond with the club having bought Ramires, Nemanja Matic and David Luiz from them for big sums so will not be put off by Talisca's price tag.
Manager Jose Mourinho is looking to sign another centre forward to add to the squad for next season.
While he doesn't want Didier Drogba to retire, the 36-year-old has hinted this will be his last campaign as a professional.
Newcastle v Chelsea - player ratings
Chelsea will face competition for Talisca, whose contract doesn't expire until 2019, with Manchester United and Arsenal also linked with him.
But Chelsea are clearly keen to make sure he's worth the expense as they have now sent scouts to monitor his progress on several occasions.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has revealed he won't be looking to recall any of the 27 players Chelsea have out on loan in January.
Some have impressed like Patrick Bamford with seven goals at Middlesbrough, while Tomas Kalas and Christian Atsu have barely featured for FC Koln and Everton respectively.
Mourinho said: “I don't want players to come back and I don't want players to leave."
Speaking about Bamford remaining at Middlesbrough, he added: “I would (be happy), yes.”
