Chelsea monitor Brazilian but move played down

The agent of Atletico Mineiro youngster Bernard has played down talk of a move to Chelsea.

Bernard has starred for the Belo Horizonte based side this season and his performances have led to numerous clubs enquiring about him.

Rafael Benitez's Chelsea are leading the chase to sign the 20-year-old midfielder but his agent, Adriano Spadotto, says no direct negotiations have taken place as yet.

"There is a lot of speculation, that's normal as the player is in great form," Spadotto told Globo Esporte.

"Giuliano Bertolucci [a partner of Spadotto] and [Atletico Mineiro's] president Alexandre Kalil are those who deal with negotiations, but there is nothing right now, it's just a rumour."