Hungary international Attila Szalai is close to completing a January move to Chelsea, according to his national team coach Marco Rossi.
Fenerbahce defender Szalai has attracted attention after playing in all three of Hungary’s matches at Euro 2020.
According to the Daily Mail, Szalai’s agents were in London last month to hold talks with Chelsea ahead of a £20m January move to Stamford Bridge.
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And Rossi, who has managed the Hungarian national team since 2018, believes a deal has now been agreed for the 23-year-old defender.
When asked which Hungarian players would impress in Serie A, Rossi told Calciomercato: “Right now I see very well Attila Szalai, who plays for Fenerbache, but I think he is joining Chelsea.
“Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal.”
Chelsea are considering their options in defence, with four key players out of contract at the end of the season – Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.
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Germany international Rudiger has stalled on signing a new deal and is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs next month.
Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked with the Germany international, as have Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester City and Tottenham.
Speaking last month, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insisted Rudiger is not distracted by his contract situation.
“He is fully committed to Chelsea right now,” said Tuchel.
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“I am absolutely sure he feels the trust and respect and the love from the club and from the spectators. He is a big competitor and he is in exactly the right spot.
“He is in the most competitive league, he is at a club where he really matters and that suits him perfectly, so let's be patient and hopefully we have a good ending.”
Christensen is also out of contract at the end of the season but recently said he hopes to sign a new deal at Chelsea “soon”.
“I feel valued, I'm happy but I do not get into the contract situation,” he said.
“I do not know why everyone thinks it is a bad situation. Because I'm still happy and I enjoy playing football.”
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Silva signed a one-year contract extension in June but could also leave Chelsea on a free at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old has continued to impress and Chelsea are reportedly happy to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge, with the final decision resting with the Brazilian himself.
Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim Azpilicueta is in advanced talks to join Barcelona in the summer.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Chelsea, Transfers, Football, Premier League