Combative Chelsea midfielder Ramires is reportedly close to signing a new deal that would tie him to Stamford Bridge until 2017.

Ramires (l): Set for new deal

The Brazil midfielder's current deal still has more than two years left to run but the Blues see the 24-year-old very much as part of their long-term plans.

Ramires has been one of Chelsea's standout players in their stuttering season, scoring eight goals and giving them real penetration with his driving runs.

In an area that has often been rotated by manager Andre Villas-Boas, the South American has started more matches this term than any of his midfield team-mates.

He made his return from three weeks out with a knee injury in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Birmingham and is in contention to start Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg at Napoli.

Ramires joined Chelsea from Benfica at the start of last season in a deal reportedly in the region of £18million after impressing for Brazil during that summer's World Cup.