CHELSEA TRANSFER NEWS: Hulk, Lucas Moura, Falcao, De Bruyne, Ivanovic And Courtois Involved In Recent Speculation

While there has yet to be any confirmation from any party regarding Hulk's much-anticipated move to Chelsea, a Brazilian already in the Stamford Bridge dressing room has thrown his support behind the deal.

I am here in Brazil, following the news about the likely signing of Hulk by Chelsea, midfielder Ramires told Lancenet.

I really hope he comes. I have played with him in the Brazil national team and we were on opposite sides while I was at Benfica and he would surely add a lot to Chelsea's squad.

If it was up to me, it would all be sorted already.

Reports that Chelsea had agreed a £38 million fee with Porto looked to have jumped the gun, although Hulk has strongly intimated that he would be leaving Portugal this summer. With the forward currently on international duty with Brazil, it may be that a deal will not be wrapped-up until after the Selecao's friendly with Argentina on Saturday.

Another scenario is that Chelsea is waiting to appoint a new manager before committing another £30 million-plus on new talent, following the signing of Eden Hazard.

Wednesday also saw further speculation about Chelsea's reported pursuit of another Brazilian in Lucas Moura. According to TalkSport, Italian giants Inter are determined to sign the pacey wide man at all costs this summer. Meanwhile, French publication L'Equipe has claimed that Manchester United remain very much in the running for Lucas.

Though Sao Paulo has claimed that Chelsea offered £32 million for the 19-year-old, it is a deal that looks increasingly unlikely. Especially if the transfer of Hulk eventually materializes. Even the often spendthrift Roman Abramovich would surely realize that committing big money to Lucas Moura when Juan Mata, Hazard, Marko Marin and Hulk are already in the squad makes little sense.

While by no means any less expensive, a deal for a central striker to at least challenge Fernando Torrres would appear a greater priority. Several high-profile names have been linked, though it is perhaps Radamel Falcao that remains the favored option.

The Blues could face some serious competition should they decide to bid for the Atletico Madrid star, however. Spanish publication Sport reports that in a meeting between the two clubs' officials, Barcelona inquired about Falcao's availability, following Atleti's interest in Cristian Tello.

The story claims that Falcao is not currently a priority for the Catalans, but should the prolific Colombian become available they want to be kept abreast of proceedings.

With Chelsea intent on spending big this summer, one of the club's existing young talents is likely to have to seek temporary new surroundings in order to find first-team action. Kevin de Bruyne, 20, only arrived at the club in January for £7 million, before being allowed to spend the rest of the season at Genk. And now it seems that the Belgian international will be encouraged to spend next season on-loan as well, with Southampton said to be keen on the right-sided midfielder, according to the Sun.

It is a similar scenario for another young Belgian on Chelsea's books. Thibaut Courtois impressed last season on-loan at Atletico Madrid as the La Liga side claimed the Europa league, and it seems all parties are happy for the agreement to be extended for another year. Although Chelsea has one small caveat.

The Blues have said that the 20-year-old goalkeeper will not be able to play in the Uefa Super Cup between the two sides in August. A clause that Atleti has reluctantly accepted.

This is bad news for the kid because it is a reward after a big Europa League win, coach Diego Simeone said.

But we could not fight too much because Chelsea are the owners.

More concerning to Chelsea fans will be the latest developments involving the future of one of Chelsea's more experienced players, Branislav Ivanovic. Quotes were reported yesterday from a man claiming to be the defender's agent that Ivanovic was wholly happy to remain at Stamford Bridge. But in a strongly worded statement, the Serbian has said that the individual in question, Vlado Borozan, does not represent him in anyway.

I've seen in the press that an agent called Vlada Borozan has been saying things on my behalf, I would just like to put on record that he is not my agent and does not have the right to tell the press anything on my behalf, said Ivanovic, according to Sky Sports. who has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Napoli.

With regards to speculation about my future, we will see what happens. But whatever happens, it will be between myself, Chelsea and my actual representatives.

As it stands today, I am a proud Chelsea player, added the 28-year-old, who has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Napoli.

I have four years remaining on my contract, have just won the Champions League, just captained my country on international duty, and am now ready for a holiday with my family to recharge my batteries and get ready for next season.