Chelsea book medical for new signing as £23.5m fee is agreed for Brighton target

Chelsea have agreed a fee with French side Rennes for the signing of young midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu as Mauricio Pochettino continues his massive rebuild in west London.

The 19-year-old has been on the list of most of Europe’s top clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion who were looking at him to replace Moises Caicedo who is a target for Chelsea.

Talks between Chelsea and Rennes Ugochukwu accelerated quickly in the last 24 hours, with the medical already set up for the young midfielder to undergo before signing his new deal.

He will become Chelsea’s fifth summer signing following the arrival of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Angelo Gusto and Diego Moreira.

The Blues manager is now expected to take a look at him before deciding if he goes back on loan to join Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.

According to the Athletic, Chelsea moved in quickly to agree on the deal and personal terms with the player on Saturday after agreeing that he had all it takes to be a success at the club.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been calling for midfield enforcement after seeing the departure of Mason Mount to Manchester United, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City and N’Golo Kante who joined Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia.

The Blues finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season, scoring only 38 goals in the league but the appointment of Pochettino has lifted moods and their showing in pre-season has so far impressed many.

LondonWorld sources say Chelsea are still looking to sign Brighton and Hove midfielder Caicedo despite seeing their £80million bid for the midfielder rejected last week.