Chelsea midfielder Ramires has admitted that he is flattered by stories linking him to both Juventus and Real Madrid, as reported by the Daily Express.

However, he has also said that he is not even thinking about a January transfer away from Stamford Bridge, and is instead focused on returning to the first team for the Blues.

Ramires has been on the fringes of the side since the addition of Nemanja Matic last January, and the signing of Cesc Fabregas in the summer has exacerbated the situation, meaning there is no obvious place for him in the starting line up.

As a result, his future at the club has been put into doubt.

The likes of Real Madrid and Juventus have both been linked with moves for him, and Ramires is flattered to be mentioned as a possible target.

He said: “Juventus and Real Madrid are two of the biggest teams in the world.

Ramires has spent a spell out injured, however, and made his return to the team during the 5-3 loss against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea are braced for a bid from Juventus for their midfielder Ramires, according to La Gazetta Sportiva.

The Serie A side have identified the Brazilian international as the ideal player to replace Paul Pogba, who is thought to be a target for Manchester United and the Stamford Bridge club themselves.

Pogba would likely command a huge fee if another club wished to tempt him away from Turin, and this would give them scope to spend in the transfer window.

Ramires has been a long term target of theirs, and according to the Italian newspaper, they are now plotting a big bid to tempt Chelsea into selling.

Jose Mourinho has been adamant whenever speaking to the press that he will not consider the sale of the versatile midfielder, who can play across the midfield, including in both attacking and defensive roles and on the flank.

However, he might find a big money move from Juventus too tempting to turn down.

Juventus have made Chelsea midfielder Ramires their top target going into the next two transfer windows.

The Serie A side are fearful that they will lose Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal, or both central midfielders, and have identified Ramires as an ideal replacement for their two integral midfield players.

Ramires is no longer a regular starter at Chelsea, having fallen behind the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Nemanja Matic and Oscar in the pecking order.

Now the 27 year old Brazilian international could be moving to Italy.

The Old Lady of Turin believe that the Stamford Bridge club could be tempted into selling Ramires for £12 million, whether in the winter window or after the season ends.

However, there is no guarantee that the Blues will let Ramires leave, according to the Daily Star.

Jose Mourinho is a fan of the Brazilian, given his excellent work rate, and believes he is a good option to have around the squad.

Our verdict

Chelsea need to keep squad players around, and with Ramires’ versatility, he is an ideal option on the bench. They could be tempted into a move if they are offered a swap, however, possibly with Paul Pogba involved.