Chelsea are launching a bid for Real Betis midfielder Benat. The west Londoner's are thought to have had an £8million bid for Benat rejected by Betis, says AS.

But the La Liga side are braced for a further bid from Chelsea for the 25-year-old.

A source close to the Blues says owner Roman Abramovich is willing to stump up a lot more for the Spain international.

Benat is reported to have a £16million release clause in his current contract.