Chelsea is closing in on a $10million (£8.2m) swoop for 18-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, with the American heading back to his Major League Soccer team on loan to finish the 2022 season and aid its playoff bid.
The fee is expected to rise with add-ons based on Slonina's future achievements. The teenager is highly rated in the States and Real Madrid have previously been linked with a move.
Chicago coach Ezra Hendrickson said in his press conference after the Fire's 0-0 draw with Atlanta that Slonina is nearing a transfer.