Andrade - who has been the backbone of Depor's defence for a few years - is struggling to hold down a regular spot in the starting eleven following his return from injury.

The highly rated Portuguese missed out on the World Cup through a nasty knee injury picked up last February against Barcelona. After eight to nine months of recovery, he was declared fully fit by the Depor medical team, but is now struggling to break into the first team, with Juanma and Lopo having impressed Joaquin Caparros.

He had been linked with Milan and Barcelona even before the injury, and reports of a winter move have refused to go away ever since his return to fitness. It now appears as if Stamford Bridge could be his next destination, with compatriot Jose Mourinho zeroing in on him.

The Portuguese contingent at Chelsea is said to be another positive factor for Andrade, and with Deportivo said to be willing to let him move on for the right price - around 15 million Euros - a quick deal could be thrashed out subject to Andrade's fitness.

However, Milan are also monitoring the situation, and could offer Chelsea some stiff competition.

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