Luka Modric
Luka Modric is the subject of an improved bid from Chelsea. REUTERS

Chelsea are weighing up a bid for Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, with manager Andre Villas-Boas frustrated over the club's lack of progress with their pursuit of Luka Modric.

Liverpool are prepared to sell Meireles after manager Kenny Dalglish brought in Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson earlier this summer but, reports suggest the club favour selling the 28-year-old abroad.

However, Villas-Boas is interested in the midfielder after the pair worked together at Porto and views the Portugal international as a potential partner for Luka Modric at the heart of Chelsea's midfield.

The club's main priority remains Luka Modric and reports in today's press suggest Chelsea will return to Tottenham with an improved offer of £30m or £27 plus Yossi Benayoun, as they attempt to resolve their long-standing interest in the Croatian.

The Blues, though, may encounter more success if they include Daniel Sturridge into the deal, with Spurs keen to buy a striker before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Santos striker Neymar has emerged as a potential target for Manchester City, despite interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Chelsea scouts watched Neymar during Brazil's 3-2 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart last week, with Villas-Boas eager to identify a strike-partner for Fernando Torres.

However, City boss Roberto Mancini is now planning to ask his board to fund a £40m bid for Neymar, the People reports.

The 19-year-old has committed his immediate future to Santos but has indicated he would consider a move to Europe, should an attractive deal arrive.