Chelsea look set to complete the signing of Benfica midfielder Ramires by the end of today.

The Premier League champions have been in negotiations with the Portuguese side for more than two weeks over the transfer of the 23-year-old for a fee believed to be in the region of £17million.

Club representatives finally secured a work permit for the Brazil man despite the fact that he has not played the required 75 per cent of matches for his country.

Ramires underwent a medical at Chelsea earlier this week and Carlo Ancelotti now hopes the midfielder will put the finishing touches to his move soon.

"Ramires is doing medical tests again and we hope that he will sign a contract," said the Chelsea boss. "I hope he will sign soon. He is a fantastic player. He will be the future the Brazil national team and I hope he will be the future of Chelsea."