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Chelsea in advanced talks with Ramires over new contract - sources

Chelsea are in advanced talks with midfielder Ramires over a new deal at Stamford Bridge, sources have told ESPN FC.

Ramires' current deal expires in 2017 and Chelsea are in talks to hand him a new four-year contract to keep him at the club until 2019.

The 28-year-old was strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea in the summer, with Italian champions Juventus credited with lining up the Brazilian after losing key midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in the summer transfer window.

However, Chelsea rejected overtures from the Serie A champions Ramires remains a key part of Jose Mourinho's side and they have moved to reward with a new deal.

Ramires has struggled for a spot in Mourinho's starting XI so far this season, but has started the last two games at Porto and Southampton. Those starts came after his appearance off the bench at Newcastle, where he scored and played a major role in the second goal in the 2-2 draw at St James' Park.

The Brazil international joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2010 and has made more than 200 appearances for the club, helping them to Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup success in his five years at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be keen to secure the future of Ramires as soon as possible as they look to get their season back on track after a disappointing start to the new campaign, with the defending champions 16th in the Premier League table after eight games.

Earlier on Thursday, the club confirmed the signing of former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia on a free transfer to help cover for the absence of injured No. 1 Thibaur Courtois.