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Roberto Di Matteo coy over speculation linking Oscar with Chelsea switch

 

Pa
Wednesday 18 July 2012 11:25 BST
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Brazil midfielder Oscar
Brazil midfielder Oscar (GETTY IMAGES)

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Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo preferred not to comment on speculation linking the club with Internacional midfielder Oscar last night.

The highly-rated 20-year-old is currently in London as he prepares to compete in the Olympics with Brazil.

Although the Blues have already secured midfielders Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, speculation has persisted recently that they are determined to add Oscar to their ranks.

For his part, Oscar reportedly told journalists in Rio before travelling to England "I'm staying" when asked about the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge.

And Di Matteo was equally coy when asked to clarify the situation.

"I can tell you that he's not a Chelsea player so it's difficult for me to talk about a player that doesn't belong to us," the Italian told the club's official website.

"I know there has been speculation we are interested in this player and in due course if there is anything to announce we will do.

"All I would say is that he is a very young talented midfield player."

Meanwhile, Hazard's younger brother Thorgan is also on the Blues' radar, according to Lens sporting director Antoine Sibierski.

The 19-year-old winger has played only 11 times for the French Ligue 2 club and has just a year remaining on his contract.

"I've since learned that Chelsea are interested in his possible arrival. I can understand why a player would want to leave Ligue 2 to go to Chelsea. We're in discussions," Sibierski told La Voix du Nord newspaper.

"Now, like in every transfer with a year left on his contract, it must be paid for. There are also compensation fees for training him."

One player who could be on his way out of west London is Florent Malouda.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to South America and Di Matteo hopes to speak to the midfielder to discuss his future in the next few days.

"I still haven't had a chance to speak to Florent, so I need to speak to him first and see what his intentions are, then we will see what the best interests are for him and the club," Di Matteo added.

PA

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