Chelsea close to signing 'new Kaka'

Chelsea is close to agreeing a deal to sign Sao Paulo starlet
Lucas Piazon, dubbed 'the new Kaka' by some commentators, when he turns 18.

It is believed the Blues are poised to beat off competition from Juventus for the 17-year-old, who is currently playing for Brazil in the South American Under-17 Championship.

Piazon was first linked with a move to Chelsea two years ago. He was also courted by Juve, who appeared to have won the race for the teenager two months ago after he spent a week training with the Italian giants.

That sparked erroneous reports he would join them in January next year. Instead, he is set to move to Stamford Bridge in line with FIFA laws after Sao Paulo agreed to sell him to the Premier League champions.

The fee is unclear but reports suggest it could be anywhere from £5million to £8million.

Piazon's signing would reaffirm Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's commitment to bringing more young players to the club in addition to splashing out on the likes of Fernando Torres and David Luiz when necessary.