Benitez: No issue with Oscar

Rafa Benitez has described it as 'fantastic' that Oscar was not happy to be left out of Chelsea's starting line-up for Sunday's Club World Cup final against Corinthians.

Oscar is set to feature in Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Leeds United but has been used sparingly by interim manager Benitez to date, starting just three of his seven games in charge.

The Brazilian playmaker expressed his disappointment after being selected on the bench against Corinthians, but Benitez insists there is no rift with the player.

"Oscar is fine. He's a very good professional. We don't have any issue with him," he said.

"I try to manage players, especially in his position because we have Eden Hazard and Juan Mata, who can do more or less the same job.

"It's difficult for them but it's good for me because I have different problems. There are no issues or problems.

"Oscar will have a lot of time on the pitch and I'm sure he'll be a great player for the club.

"Oscar's not happy because he's not playing and that's fantastic. There would be a problem if it was the opposite."

Leeds will be Benitez's eighth game in charge since taking over 25 days ago, a hectic schedule that continues with Christmas fixtures against Aston Villa, Norwich, Everton and QPR.

"We have to win every competition if we can. We have rivalry with Leeds and we have one less competition to win after losing on Sunday," Benitez said.

"We can't just call it another game, it's a very important match for us.

"Christmas time is a crucial period because you can play so many games that will change everything."


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Chelsea confirm Oscar signing

Chelsea have completed the signing of highly-rated Brazil playmaker Oscar from Internacional for a fee reported to be worth £25million.



The 20-year-old is part of Brazil's squad for London 2012 and played in the 2-0 warm-up victory over Team GB last Friday.



Oscar, full name Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior, is a product of the Sao Paulo youth set up.



He left the capital for Internacional in December 2010 and has played at every level of international football from Under-15 to Under-20.



His Brazil debut arrived in September last year when he came on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw with Argentina, and he has scored once in six caps.



Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger, he is viewed as one of his country's most exciting talents.



Marseille full-back Cesar Azpilicueta has confirmed he is on Chelsea's radar.



"It is flattering when you have clubs such as Chelsea interested in you, but



there are other clubs interested as well,'' the Spaniard said.



Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne looks set to spend another season on loan away from Chelsea after Werder Bremen revealed negotiations over the 20-year-old are being held.

Oscar confirms Chelsea medical

Brazil midfielder Oscar has undertaken a medical with Chelsea whilst in England, but insists he has not yet signed a contract with the Champions League winners.



Oscar, 20, played in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Great Britain in Middlesbrough on Friday evening as the teams warm-up for the London 2012 Games.



The Internacional playmaker has been linked with a £25 million move to Stamford Bridge, but is adamant he will decide his future after his national team duties have been completed.



"I only had a meeting with the doctor, nothing else," Oscar said. "I didn't sign any contract yet and I will wait until the end of the Olympic games to decide my future.



"All Brazilian players have this dream. I have, like everybody the dream to play in Europe and the Premier League."



Oscar joined Internacional from Sao Paulo in 2009 and last summer scored a hat-trick in the Under-20 World Cup final as Brazil beat Portugal.



He told Brazilian reporters he had decided to stay with Internacional earlier in the week, but now seems open to a Chelsea switch.



"It is like a dream for me, participating in the Olympics, it's so important for my career and I hope to win the gold medal here," he said.



"It was a good result tonight [against Team GB] but we also have to improve and grow during the competition to reach the final. I am enjoying, it is not a pressure, I am focussed on the Olympics but want to show the British fans that I can play well here."

Chelsea 'agree Oscar deal'

Chelsea have agreed a £25million deal to sign Brazil international Oscar, according to reports.



The European champions have been chasing the Internacional star for several months, while Tottenham also wanted the 20-year-old.



Chelsea were said to have failed in a previous £20m bid for Oscar, but have now succeeded with an improved offer according to Sky Sports News.



A transfer could now be finalised, despite the playmaker's agent having previously claimed a move to Stamford Bridge was looking increasingly uncertain.



Oscar is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom on Tuesday with the Brazilian Olympic team.



The youngster, capped six times for his country, is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazil.

£15.7m Oscar enquiry revealed

Internacional president Giovanni Luigi has revealed the club have received an enquiry over Oscar amid speculation linking him with Chelsea.



The Blues are thought to be edging Premier League rivals Tottenham in the race for the Brazil playmaker's signature, with his agent claiming earlier this week the European champions had tabled a 25million euros (£19.8million) bid for the 20-year-old.



However, Luigi has cooled such speculation.



The club president maintains they are yet to receive any concrete bids but has revealed an enquiry has been made over the availability of Oscar for 20million euros (£15.7million).



Luigi was unimpressed by the proposal, telling Radio Gaucha: "We received an email today, but it's a long way off being done.



"The proposal wasn't as good as expected. We think Oscar is worth more than 20million euros.



"It wasn't an offer; it was more like an enquiry. We are only saying that the numbers have to change."



Oscar, capped six times for his country, is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazil and he has been named in their Olympics squad.



The playmaker has impressed since joining Internacional from Sao Paolo two years ago.

Oscar says no to Spurs

Internacional midfielder Oscar has ruled out the possibility of joining Tottenham.



New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas was believed to have identified the Brazil international as a replacement for Luka Modric, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer.



The 20-year-old confirmed there had been contact from the north London club but says he has no interest in leaving his current club.



"Tottenham did contact my agent but I am focusing on Internacional," said the former Sao Paulo playmaker.



"That will always happen. I don't know if there was an official offer. But for those that are young and impress a bit, this is normal.



"I can't worry about this. I'm not thinking about leaving Internacional now."