Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Fellaini, Isco, Taison And Benat Discussed In Latest Speculation

By Jason Le Miere | January 08 2013 2:40 PM

Chelsea are planning on triggering a £22 million release clause in Marouane Fellaini’s Everton contract, according to the Times. The clause, which can only be triggered by a club in the Champions League, appears to have just come to light.

Reuters

Everton will be desperate to hang on to key midfielder Marouane Fellaini amid Chelsea's interest.

Sponsorship Link

There is nothing new about Chelsea’s interest in the Belgium international, with the Blues having reportedly been keen to add Fellaini to their midfield for some time.

The 25-year-old is currently enjoying his best season since joining Everton for £15 million from Standard Liege back in 2008 and has already amassed nine goals this campaign. There could well be competition from Arsenal for Fellaini’s signature.

Chelsea are widely believed to be targeting a midfielder this month following a season-ending injury suffered by Oriol Romeu and with John Mikel Obi on his way to the African Cup of Nations. A player with the physicality, as well as technical acumen, of Fellaini would perhaps be seen as an ideal complement for the likes of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard.

Chelsea’s need for a midfielder is also set to be exacerbated by the seemingly inevitable departure of Frank Lampard this summer. Another player the Blues are reportedly keen to recruit is Real Betis playmaker Benat.

Citing news coming out of Spain, the Daily Star reports that Chelsea have already bid £8 million for the 25-year-old. Benat, who made his debut for Spain earlier this year, has a £16 million release clause in his contract.

There may be a stumbling block in Chelsea’s attempts to land Brazilian attacking midfielder Taison, It had been reported by Sky Sports News that a deal had already been agreed in principal to take the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge from Metalist Kharkiv.

The Daily Mail, though, now claims that Taison has headed back to Brazil with the two clubs unable to agree a fee. The former Internacional man reportedly has an £11 million valuation.

Taison, who can play wide or as a support striker, has reportedly been given a deadline of January 10 to complete the move.

Meanwhile, it appears as though Chelsea will not be able to take advantage of Malaga’s financial problems to land Malaga’s Isco. The highly-rated 20-year-old was said to be on his way to Stamford Bridge by the Daily Mirror.

Spanish publication AS, however, claims that Malaga will not allow Isco to leave this winter as they did the likes of Santi Cazorla in the summer.