Rumour: Chelsea ponder £21m bid for Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic to Chelsea?

Chelsea could be set to bolster their central midfield options by re-signing Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic. The Serbian left Stamford Bridge in 2011 as part of the deal that took David Luiz to Chelsea, but has since flourished in Portugal and could be in line for a return. The Telegraph allege that Blues boss Jose Mourinho is likely to make a £21 million bid to bring him back to Chelsea, although it is believed that Benfica will hold out for a higher fee.

Matic made just three appearances for Chelsea in his two years at the club, and spent his second year at the club on loan at Vitesse. He was valued at just £4.15 million at the time of his move to Benfica, when he was used as a makeweight to bring Luiz to England.

However, he has since developed into one of Europe’s hottest properties and – at the age of 25 – could be set for another crack at life at Chelsea. He was named player of the year in Portugal last season and is viewed by Mourinho as one of a number of possible midfield targets. Viewed as a long term successor to the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, Matic would slot into the central midfield role in competition with Ramires and Marco Van Ginkel.

Chelsea are reportedly set to bid £21 million for the midfielder, but may have to up their offer if they are to land their man. He has two years left on his Benfica contract and is reported to have a buy out clause of £37 million.

In six Champions League appearances this season, Matic made 259 passes. The highest number made by a Chelsea player was Branislav Ivanovic with 209.