Chelsea boss denies Liverpool target will be sold this summer

According to reports from Goal.com yesterday afternoon, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has adamantly denied claims the west London club will sell playmaker Oscar this summer.

The Brazil international has become a surprise subject of speculation in recent weeks, with Juventus and Liverpool both linked to his services by the tabloids – as This Is Futbol revealed earlier this week.

Allegedly, the Blues plan to offload Oscar to raise funds for West Ham forward Enner Valencia, whilst other reports claim he could be used in a swap deal along with compatriot Ramires to bring Paul Pogba to Stamford Bridge – as This Is Futbol revealed earlier this month.

But Mourinho has now denied the 23 year-old, who has made 148 appearances in just three seasons at Stamford Bridge, will be thrown on the transfer scrapheap this summer.

Talking at the pre-match press conference ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, the Portuguese told reporters; “Of course [he isn’t leaving Chelsea]. He just signed a contract a few months ago. He’s one of the players with the best contract, a long-term contract. A boy at 23 that Chelsea bought three years ago. Obviously we don’t want to sell.”

Oscar has struggled for form of late, but clearly he’s still highly regarded by the Blues’ management staff.

Also in the news this week:

Club president insists £12.8m Arsenal and Chelsea target will sign new deal

Barca see bid for Chelsea and Man United target rejected

Liverpool set for Chelsea double-swoop this summer?

Chelsea and Man United table offers for World Cup winner