Ramires Wants Chelsea to Re-Sign Nemanja Matic from Benfica in January

Ramires wants Chelsea to sign Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic, when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Daily Mirror reports the Brazilian wants the former Chelsea player back at Stamford Bridge and believes his arrival will help boost the Blues' chances of winning trophies this season.

"If it depends on me then I would sign Matic on January 1. I'm convinced with him in the team, he would help us obtain our objectives," Ramires was quoted by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

Matic, who joined Chelsea from MFK Kosice in 2009, failed to break into the the Blues' first team, managing only three appearances as a substitute in all competitions in the 2009/10 season. The following season, he joined Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem on loan.

The Blues then offloaded the Serbian international to Benfica in 2011, in a cash-plus-player exchange deal to facilitate the signing of David Luiz.

The competition for places in the middle of the park at the west London club is very high with players like Willian, Oscar, Juan Mata, Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel, Frank Lampard, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, along with Michael Essien, Ramires and John Obi Mikel, competitng for a place in the starting line-up.

If Chelsea attempt to sign Matic in January; then they could face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, along with French club Paris Saint-Germain.

Earlier reports, also suggested that the 25-year-old's agent had flown to London to talk to Jose Mourinho.

It will be intriguing to see how Matic will be given first team opportunities, should he make a move to Stamford Bridge when the transfer window commences next month.

While reports also stated that there could be a departure in the midfield department as De Bruyne wants to leave Chelsea in January. The 22-year-old feels that lack of opportunities with the Blues will cost him a place in the Belgium squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Chelsea are also believed to be in pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin, with their Portuguese manager having reportedly held talks with the player's agent.

The Blues are currently third in the Premier League with 37 points, and will host fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to recover from the narrow 2-1 defeat suffered at the hands of Manchester City on Boxing Day and finish 2013 on a high by ending Mourinho's unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge.