Benitez eyes Brazilian midfielder as first Chelsea signing

New Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is keen to beat former club Inter Milan to the signing of Brazil international Paulinho, according to sources in Italy.

Benitez, who started his job at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, is believed to have identified the acquisition of a defensive midfielder as his key transfer priority ahead of the January window.

The Blues have been interested in Paulinho for the past year, although Corinthians admitted earlier this month they have no intention of selling him.

But Benitez is keen to pair current Stamford Bridge favourite Ramires with his international
team-mate and his side could come in with an offer for the 24-year-old in six weeks' time.