Chelsea agree fee for Romeu

23 July 2011 09:57
Chelsea have reached agreement with Barcelona for the signing of young Spain Under-20 defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu.[LNB] Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas confirmed the news at a press conference in Bangkok, although 19-year-old Romeu is yet to have a medical or agree personal terms as he is currently with Spain preparing for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.[LNB]Romeu made his debut for the Barcelona first team at the end of last season, but is not part of Pep Guardiola's long-term plans at the Nou Camp.[LNB]A statement on the Chelsea website read: "Chelsea Football Club has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu."[LNB]Romeu could help fill the void left by the serious knee injury suffered by Michael Essien earlier this month.[LNB]Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.[LNB]"The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division - they finished third.[LNB]"Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team.[LNB]"So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical."[LNB]Villas-Boas also revealed the decision to loan Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to Atletico Madrid once he completes his move from Racing Genk had not been finalised.[LNB]"The Spanish League is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future," Villas-Boas said.[LNB]"It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties."[LNB]Villas-Boas' is likely to spend again before the transfer window closes, with the blessing of chief executive Ron Gourlay.[LNB]Chelsea have seen two bids for Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric rejected this summer and are reportedly preparing a third and final offer in the region of £35million.[LNB]They are also said to have made an offer of up to £18million for Anderlecht wonderkid Romelu Lukaku.[LNB]Gourlay said: "From our activity in the marketplace in the past, if the coach feels there is a player available that can strengthen our team then we almost definitely go into the market place."

Source: Team_Talk