Chelsea in swap talks

LONDON. — Chelsea are in talks with Atletico Madrid over a £30million swap deal for Spain midfielder Koke. Jose Mourinho, whose side clinched their third English Premier League title under his command on Sunday, has already begun planning for next season.The manager has highlighted several areas he wants to strengthen for an assault on the Champions League – the one major trophy to elude his grasp in two spells at Chelsea – and midfielder Koke is at the top of his list.

Koke has a £44m release clause in the five-year contract he signed only last year, but Chelsea will allow former Atletico full-back Filipe Luis, who has failed to make an impact since singing last summer, to go the other way, meaning they would pay around £30m.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo travelled to Spain to watch Koke last week, and the club have been keeping a close eye on the player for months. Initial talks have already begun. — The Daily Express.