Andre Villas-Boas
The boss wants to bolster the midfield Reuters

English Premier League club, Chelsea, are believed to be close to a move for Olympique Lyon's Brazilan playmaker, Ederson, when the January transfer window opens. The French Ligue 1 side are apparently resigned to losing the midfielder, following the player's refusal to negotiate a contract extension to his current deal, which expires in the summer.

Ederson, 25, joined the French side in 2008 and has become an integral part of the team since then. However, it now appears that he will be leaving the former French champions, with Chelsea favorites to sign him, as the club's manager, Andre Villas-Boas, looks to bolster his midfield.

The Brazilian international has made six appearances for his club this season and scored twice, leading the Chelsea boss to monitor his performance ahead of a move.

Lyon will certainly be reluctant to allow the player to leave for free in the summer, presenting them with little option but to consider a bid in January. It is believed that an offer of around £6 million will be enough to sign him.

Chelsea have reportedly been joined by Italian clubs Inter Milan and Napoli in the race to sign Ederson, according to a footylatest.com report.

Ederson Honorato Campos, who joined Lyon from French club OGC Nice in 2008 for a fee of €14 million, has made 82 appearances for the club and has managed to score seven times.