Bayern Munich have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Arturo Vidal from Juventus, according to reports.
The 28-year-old midfielder has been the subject of much speculation this summer, although Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta appeared to rule out an exit last week.
A number of Premier League clubs have been credited with an interest in the Chilean, who helped Juve to a domestic double and the Champions League final last season, but Bayern are now in pole position to complete the deal, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
It is understood that the German champions only made contact with the Italian outfit on Wednesday, but negotiations have advanced at a fast rate, with Bayern hopeful of finalising the deal by the end of the week.
A fee of €40m (£28m) has reportedly been agreed between the two clubs as Bayern look for a replacement for Bastian Schweinsteiger following his move to Manchester United.
Vidal, who has won the Serie A title in each of his four seasons in Italy, has previously played in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Barney Corkhill
