Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hoping to tie up £17 million signing of Benfica midfielder Ramires before starting pre-season tour of Germany - report

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hoping to tie up £17 million signing of Benfica midfielder Ramires before starting pre-season tour of Germany - report

Chelsea are keen to finalise their £17 million move forBenfica midfielder Ramires before leaving for the pre-season tour of Germany.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will depart on Saturday and the Italian hopes that the Brazil international will join the team on the trip, according to the Daily Star.

However, the Portuguese club are reluctant to give up their midfield star, and the Blues could have to wait before they complete the signing of the Brazilian World Cup star.

Chelsea, who won the Premier League and FA Cup last season, have made just one signing this summer, bringing Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun to Stamford Bridge for just £5 million.

After letting Michael Ballack and Joe Cole leave the club this summer, Chelsea sees Ramires as an ideal replacement in the midfield.

The Blues are also interested in Benfica defender David Luiz, but the Portuguese club rejected Chelsea’s initial bid of £25 million for the centre-back.