Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign David Datro Fofana in an £8.6million deal from Molde.
The 19-year-old is still discussing personal terms with the Blues but all parties believe the deal will ultimately now be completed.
The Ivory Coast international will likely be signed as a prospect for the future rather than as a direct replacement for Armando Broja, whose season is over after a long-term knee injury in a friendly with Aston Villa.
It leaves open the possibility that Fofana signs and immediately leaves on loan, opening up room for another January signing in attack.
Graham Potter is a long-term admirer of Fofana having scouted the youngster while in charge of Brighton.
Having also been hired from the Seagulls, Chelsea’s new head of recruitment Paul Winstanley has been tracking the teenage forward along with Potter’s personal recruitment analyst, Kyle Macaulay.
Fofana also fits into the vision that Chelsea have focused on under the new Boehly-Clearlake ownership, who want to sign and develop youthful talent.
The striker scored 17 goals in 29 appearances for Molde in all competitions last season. He has also scored four goals in 10 Europa Conference League matches this season.
Chelsea are also recruiting a player who has previously called the west Londoners his “dream club”.
