Chelsea have progressed in their attempts to sign teenage defender Pedro Lima from Brazilian club Sport Recife, confirms the player’s agent.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the young right-back and last month, one the South American side’s directors confirmed talks had been held with various interested parties.
Marcelo Barro claimed one club was “slightly more advanced” in their pursuit of the 17-year-old, who has scored two goals and registered as many assists in 25 senior appearances.
Lima has represented Brazil at U17 level and could be the latest young South American talent to move to Stamford Bridge.
“There has been progress in the negotiations, but it’s not over yet,” agent Renato Guimaraes told Globo Esporte.
“The salary part is settled, but there are still some clauses to be defined in the contract, some bonuses.”
Chelsea have signed Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and Kendry Paez under the current ownership and are close to landing Estevao Willian too.
The Palmeiras winger has been dubbed ‘Little Messi’ and formed an exciting frontline alongside Real Madrid-bound Endrick and West Ham target Luis Guilherme.
A deal worth an initial £29.5m has been struck, though the eventual cost of the transfer could rise to £51m – which would make Willian the most-expensive South American teenager of all time.
Chelsea were understood to have tracked Endrick too and are thought to be determined not to miss out on more prodigious talents emerging out of South American football.
The Blues have already made their first signing of the Enzo Maresca era, with defender Tosin Adarabioyo signing a four-year contract following a free transfer from Fulham.
Standard Sport understands they are also keen to sign a new goalkeeper, left-back and forward this summer as they look to improve on last season sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.
