Chelsea and Barcelona ready to battle for Benfica striker

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Benfica forward Nelson Oliveira - but will face competition from their Champions League opponents Barcelona if they attempt to sign him this summer.

The Blues booked their Champions League semi-final spot against the European champions by beating Benfica 3-1 on aggregate in the last-eight, and were impressed by Oliveira, 20, over the two legs.

Now the Londoners are lining up a summer bid for the young striker, who won his first cap for Portugal in February, according to reports in his homeland.

Portuguese newspaper Record, however, has claimed Chelsea will have to battle it out with Spanish giants Barcelona if they want to land Oliveira.

Scouts from the La Liga champions were in attendance when he featured against Maritimo at the weekend and were understood to be hugely impressed by his performance.