According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are close to complete £30 million signing of Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, Lille have accepted bids from Chelsea, Everton and two Italian clubs for the Brazilian centre-back but the Blues are close to completing a deal for the 22 year old.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is familiar with Magalhaes having come up against him twice in the Champions League this season. The Blues won both games 2-1, with the 22-year-old starting on each occasion.
The Brazilian centre-back showed enough sturdiness at the back to convince Lampard of his worth.
Lampard is reportedly keen on strengthening Chelsea’s defence after the Blues let in 39 goals in the league this season – the second highest in the top 10.
Magalhaes has started 29 times for the team this season, including all six games in the Champions League group stages.