English champions Chelsea have signed Dynamo Moscow midfielder Maniche on loan until the end of the season, the Premiership side announced on Wednesday.

The Portuguese international is eligible to play with Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League as he has not played in any European competition this season, Chelsea official website reported.

Maniche's arrival will boost Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho's plans for the coming period as he will loose duo Geremi and Michael Essien who will depart to play in the African Cup of Nations later this month.

The 28-year-old has previously expressed his happiness to link up with Mourinho as he worked with him at three different clubs.

Maniche began his career with Benfica before joining Porto in 2002 where he won domestic titles as well as UEFA Cup and UCL achievements.

He then joined Dynamo Moscow in 2005 for a fee of 16 millions Euros.