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Russian Football News can confirm that Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder, Axel Witsel, is close to finalizing personal terms with Chelsea ahead of a summer move to the English champions, amid the personal intervention of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

The Belgian midfielder has been linked with a move away from Andre Villas-Boas’ side this summer after some impressive display’s domestically, internationally and in European competitions over the last twelve months. Manchester United, Juventus and now Chelsea have all been linked with moves for the twenty-six year old and it now seems likely that London is his most likely destination.

The deal to take Witsel to Stamford Bridge has been placed on hold due to Chelsea’s desire to sell Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel, who is rumoured to have agreed a deal to take him to the Middle-East after nine years with the club.

Favourably for Chelsea, manager Jose Mourinho shares the same agent as Witsel with Jorge Mendes being the man pushing the deal forward. Witsel is keen to leave Russia after a successful spell with the 2008 UEFA Cup champions, and is eying a move to one of the top European club’s.

Mourinho has identified the central midfield position as Chelsea’s weakness and is determinded to strengthen the area with the signing of Witsel. The giant Belgian would cost the West-Londoners about £18million and is keen to recoup the £120,000 a week wages he currently earns in Russia.

No fee has been agreed between the two clubs as of yet we can confirm, however talks and negotiations between the players representatives and Chelsea are currently in progress and a deal could soon be agreed.

Follow our Transfer Correspondent Shane on Twitter: @FNN_Official