Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist is expected to join Sheffield United on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old has been given permission to travel to South Yorkshire to complete a move to Bramall Lane.
Manager Chris Wilder was key to the decision amid competition from other Championship clubs.
Gilchrist was not included in Chelsea's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States, instead training in a 'loan group' under Carlo Cudicini and Ed Brand.
The centre-back, who can also play at right back, played 17 times last season in a breakthrough season under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.