Raul Meireles nears shock move to Fenerbahce

Chelsea are in talks with Turkish club Fenerbahce over the £8.5million sale of Raul Meireles.

Fenerbahce are still able to make signings because the transfer window in Turkey does not close until midnight on Wednesday.

Chelsea expect the deal to go through, meaning the 29‑year‑old will move little over a year after joining from Liverpool for £12m.

Fenerbahce became aware Meireles was available after initially enquiring about Michael Essien, who eventually joined Real Madrid on loan last week.

Chelsea, who spent £80m in the summer transfer window, have 10 midfielders in their squad despite loaning out Yossi Benayoun and Josh McEachran.