CHELSEA are closing in on the signing of wonderkid Kendry Paez, according to reports.
The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the best young players in South America.
But if he signs he would not be able to play for the Blues until his 18th birthday in 2025.
Chelsea are close to reaching a verbal agreement with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to sign the youngster, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Reports earlier this month suggested Chelsea had made a formal approach with a £15million bid and talks underway – although that initial offer was rejected.
The central midfielder shone at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Austria.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
That alerted Borussia Dortmund to his exciting talent, too – with the Germans and United both reportedly having bids turned down last year.
Bayer Leverkusen were also rumoured to be interested in Paez, but it appears Chelsea have won the battle to sign him.
Paez, born in 2007, is making waves in his homeland with Independiente del Valle.
The rising star has recently been promoted to the first team during pre-season for the 2023 campaign.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
And he has even been dubbed “better than Endrick”, the Brazilian teenager who has signed for Real Madrid for a crazy £60MILLION despite interest from England.
Like Endrick, Paez would need to wait until he is 18 in May 2025 before moving to Europe.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
