According to Metro, Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic has conceded that the chance to work with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would be too good to turn down if the opportunity presented itself in the up and coming January transfer window.

Matic, who is a native of Sremska Mitrovica in Yugoslavia, began his career at Red Star Belgrade in 2000, and spent four years of development at the youth academy of the club before moving to Partizan in 2004. However, before signing a professional contract with Partizan, he accepted an offer from Kolubara, and spent two seasons, representing the Serbian club on 16 occasions. He then made a move in 2007 to FC Koscice, a Slovakian club, where Matic spent two more seasons, representing them on 66 occasions and scoring 4 goals in the process. This spell brought his talent to Carlo Ancelotti’s attention, and the then Chelsea manager signed him for Chelsea for £1.5 million on a four-year contract. However, due to the star-studded status of the squad, there was no place for the youngster. All in all, Matic made just 2 appearances for Chelsea in two seasons, scoring no goals. His spell at Stamford Bridge also included a loan spell at Vitesse where he made quite a contribution in his short time. The 25-year old realized that there was little he could do to get a place in the starting lineup at Chelsea. Then, Portuguese giants Benfica came calling in 2011, and Matic was part of a swap deal that saw central defender David Luiz going the other way, giving a new lease of life to the Serbian’s career in Portugal. Matic has excelled under manager Jorge Jesus, and has played 49 league matches for the club, scoring a total of 4 goals.

Chelsea have been struggling for form this season, and seem to lack the spark in the attacking third. Matic’s versatile left foot and an eye for a goal scoring opportunity could be just what Mourinho needs to revitalize his side, and ensure Chelsea return to form as we enter the winter period.

Matic said, “I would probably like to stay another year with Benfica, but if somebody like Mourinho wanted to bring me back to London, it would be difficult to turn down,”

“It would be a great chance to prove that I can play in the Premier League.”