Carvalho has jetted off with Chelsea’s chief executive Kenyon to join up with the rest of the squad on their tour of the United States. It is unlikely, though, that he will play a part in the Blues’ game against Roma tomorrow.

The deal takes Chelsea’s summer spending to more than £89m (€134m) after the arrivals of strikers Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman, midfielders Tiago and Arjen Robben, defender Paulo Ferreira and goalkeeper Petr Cech.

And Kenyon believes it was money well spent.

“The signing complements what we have been doing in the close season – now we have got the 24 who will form the nucleus of Jose’s plans for next season,” said Kenyon on Sky Sports News.

“We are not expecting to make any more signings.

“There have been a lot of changes, but now we have got the 24 together who we think will stand us in good stead for next season.”

Kenyon added: “He has got great credentials – he has won three Portuguese titles, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League – and was part of the national squad at Euro 2004.

“He has got a great future ahead of him and our manager knows him well.

“All round he is recognised as one of the best central defenders in Europe.

“Most of the other big clubs in Europe rate him very highly.

“This deal was relatively straightforward – and it is great when signings work out as this one has.

“The average age of the squad is 25, young but experienced, and I think we are in great shape.

“The team spirit is excellent and we are looking forward to the new season.”

Record signing Drogba could make his first appearance for Chelsea tomorrow, while midfielder Tiago – shortly expected to join up with Portugal’s Olympic squad – may also make his club debut against the Italians in Pittsburgh.

Two of last summer’s recruits will be eager for a place in the starting line-up with Damien Duff close to a full recovery from his shoulder problem and Joe Cole anxious for an opportunity to impress Mourinho, whose side beat Celtic 4-2 in Seattle on Saturday.

Cole was used as a squad player by former boss Claudio Ranieri, making half of his 50 appearances from the bench last season and finding himself shunted around midfield.

But the 22-year-old England hopeful believes he stands a better chance of forcing his way into Mourinho’s first-team plans because the Portuguese manager selects on merit.

“Everything the manager has done so far has been spot on. There is nothing to worry about and I am just going to go out and play my game,” he said.

“I want a place in the starting XI and it is up to me to prove I am good enough. The manager has made some changes and is not going to be fazed by big names.

“If you are doing well you are going to play. That is what a team like Chelsea needs – genuine competition for places.”