Douglas Costa: 'I could have joined Chelsea in January'

Shakhtar Donestsk star Douglas Costa has revealed that Chelsea were interested in a possible January transfer swoop for him.

Costa has been regularly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and, according to Goal.com, the Blues were looking at a deal for the Brazilian midfielder before turning to Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado.

"Yes, I had a contact [with Chelsea] and the chance to work with a coach like Jose Mourinho always motivates a player," Costa told the official Copa America website.

"I am very grateful for the kindness he showed with me. He is a very smart coach and who won [trophies] wherever he has gone."

Chelsea can win their first silverware of the season if they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup Final on Sunday.