Mexican midfielder hoping Spanish passport is his ticket into Chelsea

Last we heard of Ulises Dávila, he was wanted back in Portugal — no, not in the fugitive sense — by his previous loan club Vitória de Setúbal.  It was unclear whether they wanted him on loan again or on a permanent basis, but to hear Dávila talk about his situation (via Google Translate), he's certainly expecting just a loan.

"I was talking to [Mourinho] on the phone a few times [last season at Vitória], almost everything is via mail, but I can not be in England at the permissions in the Premier League, I am aware that I must first go to make the preseason and then I will go on loan to another team."

So, expect Dávila to make an appearance this upcoming preseason (players start reporting back either July 5 or 6).  And then a loan because he doesn't have a work permit.  But Dávila has a couple, more interesting things to say, too.

"...I played a lot of minutes with what has worked in the last three years, the Chelsea is happy I renewed the contract, they want me to stay in Europe because they know they can get something much better."

Dávila's contract was set to expire next summer (2016), but it sounds like we've tacked on one additional year.

"There was an approach (Chivas), but from the beginning Chelsea was a little blunt that he preferred to continue in Europe, and was renewed for another year, so I have two more years and you have to gamble to make a good race, return to Chelsea or go to a big team in Europe."

"So far there have been many rumors, but no. I've been talking to my representatives, I have been with a lot of communication with Chelsea, and right now the truth is not an option, the options are Portugal and Spain, the market in Europe is slow and very long, then we must have patience. But back to Mexico is not in the plans of Chelsea or mine."

So, two more years left for the 24-year-old to make a big enough impression to be able to carve out a career at Chelsea or another big team in Europe.  For now, a move back to Mexico is not on the cards.

But what about that always pesky work permit?  Dávila used to be a mainstay of the Mexican youth international sides, but he's yet to make his senior debut.  It turns out, there are already plans in motion to solve this problem.

"While I do not earn minutes in the senior team can not play with Chelsea, but I have the advantage that in early January, as I played two years in Spain, I'll pass and gives me an advantage to enter as a community and not need the Selection permit."

Thanks to his two consecutive years playing in Spain (with Sabadell, Córdoba, and then Tenerife), Ulises Dávila qualifies for a Spanish passport, which he hopes have received by January.  Maybe we should be sending more kids on loan to Spain rather than the Netherlands?

In any case, good luck, Ulises.  See you in preseason!