CHELSEA have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Estevao Willian.
The 17-year-old winger has been strongly linked with the Blues in recent months.
Reports in his native Brazil last week even claimed Chelsea were preparing an opening transfer bid for the teenager.
Although an official offer has been tabled, the club are interested in signing Estevao.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player.
Talks are now planned with Palmeiras and a bid of £27.5million is expected, the report adds.
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However, a bid has yet to be submitted and nothing is finalised, but the Blues remain the clear favourites to sign Estevao.
Chelsea have been chasing a deal since January, according to Romano.
The youngster, who has been nicknamed “Messinho”, made his debut for Palmeiras back in December whilst still aged 16.
He has since scored three goals and provided one assist in 14 first-team appearances for the club.
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Capable of playing behind the striker and in attacking midfield as well as on the right wing, he is already a Brazilian youth international.
All of his appearances for Brazil’s under-17s came at the under-17 World Cup last year.
Estevao scored three goals and added three assists in five matches as his side reached the quarter-finals.
He would be the latest promising South American youngster to move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea can complete a deal.
Ecuador international Kendry Paez has already agreed to sign from Independiente del Valle.
The 17-year-old will arrive in West London in 2025, with his move held up until he turns 18 in May next year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk