Chelsea made a bid for Benfica ace Angel di Maria earlier this month, it has been revealed.

Portuguese sources say Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich failed with a £16 million offer for the Argentine last Tuesday, which was thrown out by Benfica.

Indications are that Benfica chief Rui Costa is prepared to sell, however, if Chelsea - or Real Madrid - are willing to pay £19 million for the left-sided winger.