English champions Chelsea moved a step closer to the signing of Dinamo Moscow Portuguese midfielder Maniche, BBC reported on Friday.

"Talks with Chelsea are continuing but we're in the last parts of negotiations." Dinamo sports director Boris Ignatiev said.

The Portuguese international could join Chelsea on loan until the end of the season to cover the absence of Michael Essien who will depart to play with Ghana in the African Cup of Nations.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could be tempted by the prospect of landing Maniche as he coached him during his spell with Portugal's Porto.

The 28-year-old midfielder is aiming to link up with his former boss after a very successful period with Porto in which they won together the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup.