Chelsea have made a £17.5 million pound bid for Ghana and FC Augsburg defender Abdul Baba Rahman.
Augsburg have already rejected a £14 million bid for the 21-year-old, who they signed from Greuther Furth for £1 million in 2014. However, they are expected to accept Chelsea's improved offer.
Baba Rahman established himself as a rising star in 31 Bundesliga appearances in the 2014-15 season, earning attention from Arsenal, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Roma in addition to the Blues. Despite interest from other clubs, however, it is believed he will accept Chelsea's proposed £27,000 a week five-year deal.
Filipe Luis' departure leaves opening for Babe Rahman
After just one season at Stamford Bridge in which he made 15 Premier League appearances, full-back Filipe Luis has transferred to former club Atletico Madrid.
His departure leaves Cesar Azpilicueta as Jose Mourinho's only left-back, making Baba Rahman an important signing for the Portuguese. The Ghana international would most likely serve as a back-up to Azpilicueta, whom Mourinho believes to be "the best left-back in the Premier League."
Mourinho not giving information on Baba Rahman or Stones
Mourinho had an enigmatic response when asked about his pursuit of defenders Baba Rahman and John Stones.
In addition to left-back, the Blues boss is looking to strengthen the centre of his defence and find a long-term replacement for John Terry, which he hopes to accomplish by signing Stones.
Everton have already turned down two previous offers from Chelsea for the player, claiming their star defender is not for sale.
Still, Mourinho is believed to be planning a third bid of £30 million for the English centre-back, but refused to give details in a press conference on Friday ahead of Chelsea's Community Shield clash against Arsenal.
However, Baba Rahman's agent, Sascha Empcher, has confirmed that a deal is nearing finalisation between his client and Chelsea, but "both clubs are still working on fine-tuning."