Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly moved to the brink of completing the signing of Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with the player throughout the January window, and the Argentine had been lined up as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas who has already left for Monaco.
However, according to The Telegraph, PSG have edged ahead of Chelsea in the race for the player, with the 24-year-old having already arrived in Paris.
The report suggests that the Ligue 1 giants are prepared to meet the valuation of £34.9m, and a deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The development comes as a significant blow to Chelsea, with head coach Maurizio Sarri eager to strengthen in central midfield before the end of the month.
Cagliari Calcio's Nicolo Barella is an alternative, but it has previously been claimed that the Italian would prefer to remain in his homeland.
Darren Plant
