Football: It's official - Blues have 'stolen' Willian from Spurs

LONDON (AFP) - English Premier League football team Chelsea announced on Sunday that they have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, subject to the granting of a work permit.

The 25-year-old had been set to join Tottenham Hotspur, having undergone a medical at the north London club earlier this week, only for their south-west London rivals to hijack the deal.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with both Willian and his club Anzhi Makhachkala for the transfer of the Brazilian player," read a statement on the Chelsea website, www.chelseafc.com

"The transfer is subject to a work permit hearing on Wednesday."

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