According to media reports on Monday, Chelsea have negotiated a British record fee of £115 million ($146 million, 133 million euros) for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The 21-year-old Ecuador international was also a target for Premier League rivals Liverpool, who negotiated a claimed record fee of £110 million with Brighton on Friday.
However, it became evident over the weekend that Caicedo preferred a move to Chelsea and would sign an eight-year contract with the west London club, according to reports.
Chelsea, who drew 1-1 with Liverpool in their Premier League opening on Sunday, is hoping Caicedo will be available for the visit of West Ham United next weekend.
He might play alongside Enzo Fernandez in Mauricio Pochettino’s team, who cost a British record £107 million when he signed from Benfica earlier this year.
Caicedo was left out of Brighton’s squad for Saturday’s 4-1 triumph over Luton Town at home.