Chelsea fight PSG for £25m Porto wing back Pereira as replacement for Zhirkov



By Sportsmail Reporter

Chelsea are facing a battle with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain over Porto wing back Alvaro Pereira.



Manager Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bring in a replacement for Yuri Zhirkov, who joined Anzhi Makhachkala last week for £13million and wants Uruguay international Pereira.



The 25-year-old was a regular under Villas-Boas at Porto, where he is a firm favourite, but that is reflected in the asking price with the player having a £25million buy-out clause.



Copa star: Alvaro Pereira recently tasted success with Uruguay

Liverpool enquired about Pereira after his impressive displays at the Copa America, but were put off by the £15million asking price.



Chelsea would be willing to do business at that figure but PSG's interest allows Porto to auction the player to the highest bidder.



Pereira, with more than 30 international caps, has an eye for goal, scoring twice during the Copa America, but is equally adept at playing left back as he is as a left-sided midfielder.



Meanwhile, AC Milan are again considering a move for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.



The 33-year-old, however, is hoping to sign a contract extension that will tie him to Stamford Bridge until 2013.



