The Blues have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of Porto left-back Alex Telles, despite Barcelona link.
According to Portuguese media outlet Record, the Brazilian has switched agents to Pini Zahavi, a very influential figure in football circles and a friend of Roman Abramovich.
However, The 76-year-old is known to have played an important role in Abramovich’s acquisition of Chelsea, as well as many of the incoming transfers shortly after that.
As Telles is unwilling to stay at Porto beyond this season, such a step might only be seen as a stepping stone towards a move. Of course, Zahavi has a lot of connections besides Chelsea, but it is the Blues who have been often linked with the player.
Leicester City star Ben Chilwell has reportedly been identified as the prime target for the role but there are fears that the Blues could be priced out of a move for the England international by the Foxes.
As a result, Telles has been earmarked as a cheaper alternative to Chilwell, with the Brazilian’s existing deal at the Estadio do Dragao set to expire in the summer of 2021.