Blues want Portugal international at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are ready to challenge Tottenham for Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho, reports the Daily Star.
Moutinho, 26, almost joined Spurs on transfer deadline day in the summer but the deal broke down due with administrative errors to blame.
Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas remains interested in the Portugal international but it is understood Chelsea have now entered the race for the schemer, who has a £28.5m buy-out clause.
The West London club are likely to be short of central midfield options next month, with Oriel Romeu facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Jon Obi Mikel set to play in the African Cup of Nations.
Moutinho is seen by the club as a replacement for 34-year-old midfielder Frank Lampard but the Portuguese lacks the goal-scoring prowess of the England international.
The former Sporting Lisbon star is in his third season at the Estadio Drago and has won back-to-back titles with Porto.
It is understood that Moutinho, who enjoyed a fine Euro 2012 with Portugal, is happy to remain at the club until the end of the season but is interested in joining on of the London duo during the summer.
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