Last updated on .From the section European Football

Emerson Palmieri played 36 times for Roma in 2016-17 before suffering his cruciate injury

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Roma defender Emerson Palmieri, according to a source close to the Serie A club.

Reports state that the Blues will external-link pay an initial £17.6m for the 23-year-old Brazil-born left-back.

Palmieri, who had a season on loan at Palermo during 2014-15, signed for Roma from Santos in December 2016.

He missed the first three months of this season with a knee injury and has made only two appearances for the club, currently fifth in the top flight.

The Blues were also linked with a move for Roma's former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko. external-link

England midfielder Ross Barkley is Chelsea's only January signing to date, joining the Premier League champions from Everton for £15m.