Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Everton in the race to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Toffees continue to be strongly linked with a swoop for the Brazilian, and it had been thought that the Merseyside club were close to securing a €30m (£27m) deal for the defender.
However, according to Eurosport, Chelsea have stolen a march on Everton, with Frank Lampard's side now confident of securing Magalhaes's signature during this summer's transfer window.
Lille, who have the centre-back on a contract until the summer of 2023, has also previously been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lampard has struggled to settle on a regular combination in central defence this season, and the Blues are also thought to be considering a move for Hellas Verona's Marash Kumbulla.
This summer's transfer window could be put back or extended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Matt Law
