Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign Kerim Alajbegovic, according to reports in Germany.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for Leverkusen and spent last season at Red Bull Salzburg where he scored 13 goals and registered four assists.
Earlier this week, reports claimed that Chelsea are considered favourites to sign Alajbegovic, who has also attracted interest from AC Milan and Atalanta.
On Friday, Bild reported that Chelsea are now on the verge of reaching an agreement with Leverkusen over a deal worth €40 million (£34.1m).
Get personalised football updates every day
Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more direct to your inbox every morning.
The report adds that Chelsea are in direct negotiations with Levekusen and a deal could be finalised by the end of the weekend.
Xabi Alonso is understood to have been impressed by Alajbegovic during his time in Leverkusen’s youth system and the Chelsea manager is once again directly involved in the club’s move for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
Alajbegovic started three games during the World Cup as Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B and then lost to the United States in the round of 32.
The 18-year-old, who primarily plays on the left wing, also scored a brilliant solo effort in the 3-1 win over Qatar in the group stage.
Alajbegovic was signed by Red Bull Salzburg for €2m (£1.7m) last year but Leverkusen activated their €8m (£6.8m) buyback clause in March.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are finalising their £52m move to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
The France international had a medical with Chelsea on Friday.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.