Chelsea nearing deal to sign U-17 World Cup star Pape Daouda Diong

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign 17-year-old Darou Salam midfielder Pape Daouda Diong, 90min understands.

Diong, a towering defensive midfielder, impressed at November's U-17 World Cup, notably helping his side secure a victory over eventual semi-finalists Argentina.

He was spotted in the stands during Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United alongside future Blue Kendry Paez, who was making his first visit to Stamford Bridge ahead of his £17.5m switch in 2025.

Sources have confirmed to 90min that Chelsea had agreed a deal with Darou Salam to sign Diong before the Newcastle game and talks are now on with the player's representatives, with personal terms expected to be finalised imminently.

Born in June 2006, Diong would be free to move to Chelsea in the summer of 2024 once he has turned 18.

Diong is not the only player who caught Chelsea's eye at the U-17 World Cup, with the Blues also keen on three of the players he came up against during his meeting with Argentina.

90min reported earlier this month that River Plate trio Claudio Echeverri, Agustin Ruberto & Ian Subiabre had all impressed Chelsea, who are battling Manchester City and a host of elite sides to try and lure the three youngsters over to Stamford Bridge.

Talks are also on with Palmeiras over 16-year-old winger Estevao and 17-year-old midfielder Luis Guilherme as part of the quest to snap up the globe's top young talents before they blossom into £100m players.

Fans have been incredibly excited by the acquisition of Paez, still only 16 but already shining for both Independiente del Valle and the Ecuador national team.

The young midfielder's club season concluded earlier this month and he is now set to spend the coming weeks training with Mauricio Pochettino's senior side before returning to his homeland for the 2024 campaign.

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