1 Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has agreed a deal to join Chelsea, talkSPORT understands.

Sources close to the player have confirmed the Barcelona midfielder will return to the Premier League in a £30million deal after being told he can leave the Nou Camp, three years since departing Arsenal to rejoin to his boyhood club.

The 27-year-old Spanish international will be signed as a direct replacement for Frank Lampard, who has revealed he is leaving Stamford Bridge and looks set for a move to new MLS franchise New York City.

Manchester United were also keen on Fabregas, but Jose Mourinho has won the race to sign him and his arrival will be a huge boost to the Blues boss as he sets about toppling Manchester City as Premier League champions.

Mourinho confirmed his interest in signing the former Gunners captain when speaking to various national newspapers on Thursday.

“We have some interest,” he said. “We have some interest. I have interest in analysing the situation.

“I think it looks like he’s really interested in leaving Barcelona, and is very, very interested in coming back to England. This I think is clear.

“After that it’s not something for us, or another team, for now. It’s not for now, or tomorrow, or for before the World Cup.

“There is a process where he wants to leave, he wants to come to England because it’s the country where he wants to be, where he prefers to play.

“We are interested in monitoring the situation.”