Chelsea Transfer News: Douglas Costa 'Really Interested' in Working Under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk's Douglas Costa has expressed his desire to play for Chelsea and work under manager Jose Mourinho.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, but the move failed to materialise and the Blues ended up signing Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado on the transfer deadline day instead.

Costa has also been linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United, but he insists that he is only interested in working under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

"I'd be really interested in moving to Chelsea - not only because of everything Willian tells me about the club, but because I think that I'd be able to achieve everything I want having someone like Jose Mourinho by my side," he told FourFourTwo.

"Since I left Brazil, I have worked with a marvellous coach [Mircea Lucescu] and got an idea of how much influence such a good professional can have in your football. Now I think it's time to try a new philosophy and I'm sure that Mourinho's is the best around. He's always fighting for trophies."

Costa also says that he is keen to make a move to the Premier League, which according to him is "the best league in the world."

"Besides that, I'd have the chance to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world. What really impresses me is that you never know which team will win - that's a factor that always keeps athletes motivated."

Since his €6 million switch from Brazilian side Grêmio to Shakhtar in the summer of 2010, the midfielder has found a lot of success, winning many trophies including five league titles, three Ukrainian Cups and three Ukrainian Super Cups.

However, the Brazilian says that he now wants to test his abilities in another country.

"There comes a time when you become sick and tired of playing in the same league," added Costa. "I'm 24 and I think that it's worth trying to convince them to let me go away... I wouldn't think twice if a transfer proposal comes up."

However, the 24-year-old admits that the huge release clause in his current contract at Shakhtar may discourage clubs from making a move for him.

"Willian had all that trouble and his release clause was €35 million. If you think that mine is even bigger, around €50 million, you can imagine that it won't be any easier."

"I've also had talks with other sides like Milan and Monaco throughout this time, but none of them have reached the price asked by Shakhtar."