Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to recruit Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid, according to The Athletic.

The Blues will pay Atletico Madrid a loan fee of €11million (£9.68m) for the transfer of Felix.

Atletico Madrid had been seeking a €21million (£18.6m; $22.5m) package, comprising a €15m loan fee plus €6m gross salary for the transfer of Felix but will now accept Chelsea’s offer.

Felix, now 23, joined Atletico from Benfica in a club record €126 million deal in July 2019.

The Portuguese has five goals and three assists in 20 club appearances this season, having been used across the front line in a variety of different formations by head coach Diego Simeone.

Felix started in a front two for Atletico on Sunday as they lost 1-0 at home to league leaders Barcelona. He was substituted after 73 minutes.