Mourinho key to Ferreira switch

Paulo Ferreira claimed today that he moved to Chelsea because he could not resist the opportunity to work with former Porto boss Jose Mourinho again.

The £13.5million transfer is expected to be completed next week following Portugal's opening match in Euro 2004 against Greece on Saturday.

The defender said: "I wanted to go with the coach, who I know well. It will be really good because I will be going to a league which I like and I also will be able to provide a better life for my family.

"I knew a few days ago that it was settled with Chelsea and I was really pleased." The 25-year-old joined Porto from Setubal in 2002 and quickly became a key member of the squad which Mourinho led to victory in the UEFA Cup and the European Cup in successive seasons.

Ferreira is Mourinho's first signing since he left for Chelsea last week.

There has been speculation he could be joined at Stamford Bridge by his club team-mate Deco. But while there is interest for the midfielder, the priorities are for a striker and centre-back.