Yossi set to join Chelsea

Chelsea are closing on a £6.5million deal to sign Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

Sportsmail revealed Chelsea's interest last month but Anfield sources said the fee had yet to be finalised.

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was reluctant to sell Benayoun to Chelsea for anything less than £10m and had a £7.5m offer on the table from CSKA Moscow.

However, the Israeli international was reluctant to go to Russia and had set his heart on Stamford Bridge. He has now provisionally agreed to join the Premier League champions on a four year contract with an option for a further year.

Benayoun is on holiday in Israel but wants to fly to London later this week to complete the formalities and undergo a medical.

The 30-year-old, who signed a two year contract extension at Liverpool last year, is expected to be offered around £70,000 a week.

Chelsea are also keen on Valencia's David Silva - a target for Manchester City.

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