Jose reveals: McCarthy is my kind of striker and I want him at Chelsea

The Chelsea boss has reportedly told Rovers to name their price for the South African, who banged in 18 league goals last season.

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But Ewood chief Mark Hughes is refusing to sell the man who cost £1.8million from Porto last summer.

Mourinho said: "Benni had a great first season. He quickly settled into the English game.

"He is the kind of striker every coach wants and I am no exception.

"I've worked with him successfully in the past at FC Porto. I do like Benni.

"I saw the possibility of us reuniting at Chelsea but he has a contract.

"I could tell that he wanted to play for me again because we had a wonderful time together.

"But Blackburn said he was not for sale and you have to respect that."

McCarthy, 29, won the Champions League with Mourinho at Porto in 2004 and the Special One reckons he would be the perfect partner for Didier Drogba.

McCarthy's 18 league goals cost just £100,000 each, compared to the £7.5m a goal Chelsea paid for Andriy Shevchenko.

Mourinho added: "I'm not surprised about his achievements. He could score goals anywhere.

"If he stays injury free, he'll surpass his achievement of last season."