Tiago on his way to Chelsea

Chelsea are close to sealing a deal for Benfica midfielder Tiago Mendes, who is planning to fly in to London tomorrow.

The two clubs are expected to agree a fee of around £6million for the 23-year-old who scored 19 goals in 95 games for Benfica.

Meanwhile, the Premier League are to investigate Carlton Cole's loan moves following a complaint from Charlton.

They will ask Chelsea to explain why the former England Under-21 striker has been allowed to join Aston Villa when Charlton thought they had secured his services for another season.

Charlton believed that extending Cole's loan at The Valley was part of the package that took Scott Parker to Stamford Bridge in January, but Chelsea insist the two deals were not related.

They have not received any communications from Charlton or the Premier League. Charlton fans welcomed Cole's arrival as it softened the blow of losing their best player mid-season.

But Cole made it clear that he did not want to spend another year with Alan Curbishley's side and Chelsea have allowed him move to Villa Park instead. The Premier League will now ask Chelsea for their views before deciding how to resolve the issue.

The chances of a quick resolution appear slim as the clubs have a bitter recent history.

Chelsea were fined £5,000 after Charlton complained about the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch when the sides met two seasons ago.

There was further bad blood during the Parker transfer, as Charlton suspected there was a campaign to unsettle the midfielder.

Chief executive Peter Varney said: "Our supporters are expecting to see Cole return to the club on loan for 2004-05.

"The announcement by Aston Villa and Chelsea that they have agreed a year's loan is premature and I do not wish to make any further comment."

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