Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Agree Terms For Alvaro Pereira; Medical Pending

Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea have agreed terms with Portugese champions FC Porto to sign highly promising fullback Alvaro Pereira for a reported £20million. The fee was agreed a few hours ago and the Uruguayan international is expected to fly in for a medical later in the day.

The player, from manager Andre Villas-Boas’ older club, is seen as a direct replacement for Yuri Zhirkov, who left for Russian club Anzhi during the summer transfer window.

Periera impressed one and all with his consistent performances during Copa America

The Blues had earlier failed to rope in the defender with a £15million bid last week and Porto president Jorge da Costa has insisted that the Uruguay international will not be sold for less than his release clause, adding that it took him just 30 seconds to reject Chelsea’s offer.

But on Tuesday, Pereira’s agent Alejandro Savich had admitted that Porto might let the player leave for something around £20M, less than his release clause of £26.5M. Speaking to Maisfutebol, Savich said:

“I know there have been previous proposals and that the two clubs are in talks. That could be a positive sign. What I know is that Chelsea are trying. All we can do is wait. Right now, Alvaro Pereira is waiting, while the clubs talk. We have not spoken to Chelsea, I am not authorised to do such a thing, even because the most important thing is an agreement between Porto and Chelsea is reached.”

Pereira was not included in Porto’s squad that faced Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup last week, but Savich stressed his client did not request to be dropped for the match.

“It is a lie that Alvaro has ever refused to play for Porto or taken any stand. Those who know him, know that Alvaro has always given his all, played over 100 matches. That cannot be put into question.”

Pereira was a member of Porto side that won the Europa League treble last season and the player then went on to win Copa America with his national side.

Chelsea are expected to make an official announcement later tonight.