Chelsea agree €22 million fee for Ramires

The two clubs have been in negotiations over the player, but have now agreed a fee of €22 million, subject to contract negotiations and the completion of further medical tests.

The deal was announced through a statement on the website of the Portuguese Securities Market Commission.

It read: ''Benfica, in compliance with Article 248, of the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, hereby inform that they have reached a agreement in principle with Chelsea FC for the transfer, on a permanent basis, of the sporting and economic rights of the professional footballer Ramires Santos do Nascimento for the value of 22 million euros.

''They also inform that the said transfer agreement will be formalised once the athlete completes the medical examinations which he will undergo, with the consent of Benfica, and it will be concluded with the signing of a contract of employment between the aforementioned athlete and Chelsea FC.''

The ex-Cruzeiro man made a huge impression at Benfica last term and was pivotal to their success. After impressing for Brazil at World Cup 2010, he is expected to help replace Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Deco at Stamford Bridge.