AVB plans to tie down Ramires

RAMIRES is close to signing a contract extension that would tie him to Chelsea until 2017.

The Brazilian’s current deal still has more than two years left to run but the Blues see the 24-yearold midfield hard man as part of their long-term plans.

Ramires, who joined from Benfica at the start of last season in an £18million deal, has been one of Andre Villas-boas’ standout players, scoring eight goals and giving his side real penetration with his driving runs.

In an area that has often been rotated by AVB, the South American has started more matches this term than any of his midfield team-mates.

He made his return from three weeks out with a knee injury in Saturday’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Birmingham.

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