Chelsea beat Manchester United to 20-million euro Bosingwa

Portugal right-back joins compatriots at Stamford Bridge

FC Porto right-back Jose Bosingwa is poised to make a 20m Euro move to English Premier League side Chelsea, according to Portuguese daily O Jogo.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of strong interest from many of Europe’s top sides in recent months, with Manchester United thought to be Bosingwa’s most likely destination.

Indeed, according to the Porto-based sports newspaper, Old Trafford was the pacey full-back’s preferred choice, but the Blues are believed to have agreed a 20m euro deal to take the player to Stamford Bridge on Friday, and the move is expected to be announced publicly on Monday.

The news comes just months after fellow Portuguese Paulo Ferreira signed a new contract with Chelsea, but the position has been a problem area for Chelsea, both under previous manager Jose Mourinho and current boss Avram Grant.

Bosingwa, who is expected to sign a five-year deal, has featured in 23 matches for the Dragons this season, scoring one goal, although injuries have disrupted his appearances during the closing months of another successful domestic campaign.

As well as Ferreira, the possible arrival of Bosingwa would take Chelsea’s Portuguese group to four, with defender Ricardo Carvalho and goalkeeper Hilario making up the former Porto contingent.


Related: Jose Bosingwa PortuGOAL profile