Premier League
Aston Villa agree deal to sign Chelsea defender
Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen ahead of Borussia Dortmund, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The left-back spent the second half of the campaign with Dortmund where he was hugely impressive en route to the Champions League final.
Dortmund were hoping to negotiate on his £35m release clause, but the Blues have now finalised an agreement with the Villans instead.
The Midlands outfit will pay £37.5m over multiple instalments and an agreement could be formally announced in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Blues are also expected to buy a player from the Villans, who need to balance their books with outgoings by June 30.
Jhon Duran looked the outright choice at the start of the month, but a deal appears unlikely at the moment due to his wage demands.
The Colombian ace has refused to lower his salary requirements and the Blues are likely to look at other candidates up for sale at Villa.