Rumour: Jose Mourinho instructs Chelsea players to promote Cesc Fabregas transfer at the World Cup

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has instructed his players to vocalise their support for Cesc Fabregas in the media, writes Rob Shepherd of the Daily Mail.

The Portuguese boss wants to ward off interest in the Spaniard from Manchester City, who are also said to be in correspondence with Barcelona.

Shepherd understands that Mourinho has told the Chelsea players that are participating in the World Cup to speak out on how much they would love the Barca playmaker to sign for The Blues.

Chelsea are thought to be stepping up their pursuit of the former Arsenal midfielder in light of Frank Lampard’s departure and Real Madrid’s reported interest in Brazilian midfielder Ramires.

Mourinho recently confirmed his desire to bring Fabregas to Chelsea this summer, claiming the Catalan native was “motivated to return to England.”

“I am interested in studying Fabregas’ situation,” said the Blues manager.

“I think he is anxious to leave Barcelona and motivated to return to England. I think that is clear.

“Whether he is going to sign for Chelsea or another club, that is not a subject to be discussed today, or tomorrow, or before the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City are said to fear losing Yaya Toure to Paris Saint-Germain so are investing real effort into luring Fabregas to the Etihad.