CHELSEA have confirmed they have signed Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona.

The talented playmaker had recently been told by the Catalan club he did not feature in their future plans and had been linked with a move to the Blues regularly in recent years.

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And Chelsea tonight confirmed the 30-year-old has agreed the move to Stamford Bridge, becoming the club’s first signing since Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was appointed manager.

The Blues announced the news this evening and are expected to confirm they have paid £8million to sign the two-time Champions League winner on a two-year deal.

The Brazil-born player’s exit from the Nou Camp proved to be protracted due to the Catalans’ valuation of around £11 for the player despite his age.

That price seemed to have deterred Inter Milan - who were also apparently interested - but Chelsea have managed to negotiate the price down.

Deco’s arrival is Chelsea’s second signing of the summer after international team-mate Jose Bosingwa.

 

 

 

 

 

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