According to reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are close to completing the transfer of Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

The Blues have already completed the transfer of David Datro Fofana from Molde and are set to announce the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.

Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are close to complete their third 2023 signing after Fofana and Andrey Santos: deal at final stages for Benoît Badiashile, all parties feel it will be done soon.

“Final bits now and then here we go expected. Personal terms in place, Badiashile wants Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea have moved to sign Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic ahead of the January transfer window following the injury to Reece James, according to Daily Mail.

James started Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday but suffered a reoccurrence of the knee injury he picked against AC Milan in October.

27 year old Juranovic was part of the Croatian team that finished third in the World Cup and was named in the World Cup team of the tournament.

Celtic are understood to be open to listening to offers for their star defender during the January transfer window and it is believed the defender will be available for just £8million.

Chelsea were interested in Juranovic during the summer window and a deal could be wrapped up quickly once the January market reopens on Sunday.

Celtic are already preparing for the exit of Juranovic to Chelsea in January and have already agreed a deal to sign right back Alistair Johnston from MLS club CF Montreal.