Atletico Madrid are confident of signing Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand despite Chelsea making a huge offer to bring him to Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
Hjulmand targeted by top clubs
The Denmark international has been on the radar of several top European clubs. Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was keen to sign him during his time at Old Trafford. Manchester City and Arsenal have also monitored his situation, with Mikel Arteta eager to add another midfielder after last season's Premier League title success. City's director of football Hugo Viana, formerly of Sporting, is also said to be an admirer.
Atletico agree £34m fee
Atletico have moved in for the 27-year-old, with Cadena Ser reporting they have agreed a fee of €40 million (£34 million) for his services. Talks between all parties have accelerated in recent hours, with optimism the deal will be completed soon.
That development comes despite Chelsea making a late move for the midfielder. The report adds the Premier League giants have recently approached Hjulmand, making him a 'higher financial offer' than Atletico to lure him to west London. However, Hjulmand is still set on joining Atletico despite Chelsea putting more money on the table. Atletico do not anticipate any problems getting the deal done.
Chelsea's midfield moves
Chelsea have already been spurned in their attempts to sign another midfielder, Granit Xhaka, who Xabi Alonso previously coached at Bayer Leverkusen. The Blues targeted the former Arsenal captain to bring experience to their young squad with an £8 million offer instantly rejected by Sunderland. Their interest ended after the Black Cats made it clear the Switzerland international is not for sale, with Xhaka since confirming his intention to stay.
Chelsea are on the brink of selling one of their current midfield stars, having accepted a £50 million offer from Manchester United for Andrey Santos. United have moved quickly to wrap up a deal for the Brazil international, who is expected to start his medical ahead of the move today. The 22-year-old impressed on loan at Strasbourg before returning to Stamford Bridge for his first full season at the club last term. With Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia also in the frame, he made 25 starting appearances across all competitions last season, with just 13 of them coming in the Premier League.
