Chelsea 'close to signing Malang Sarr on five-year deal'

Chelsea are 'close to signing France Under-21 international Malang Sarr as a free agent on a five-year deal'.

The Blues have been the most active Premier League club in the transfer market this summer and look set to continue their recruitment frenzy with the addition of the centre-back.

Sarr's contract at Nice has expired and according to the Athletic, the 21-year-old has almost agreed a five-year deal to move to Stamford Bridge.

They report that terms have not been fully finalised but he is anticipated to join along with fellow free agent centre-back Thiago Silva.

Frank Lampard is reportedly looking to send Sarr out on loan this season once he has joined with the Bundesliga the most likely destination, report Goal.

Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke are among those keen on a temporary deal and there is also interest from Serie A.

Sarr's contract ran out at the end of June and he had been with Nice since he was just five years old. He's played for France at youth team level since the age of 16.

He played 119 games for the club despite his tender age and may yet prove to be one of the bargains of the summer.

He was given his big break under Lucien Favre after the manager was impressed when watching him in action for the academy.

Sarr was then picked for pre-season and seized his chance in the first team when an injury crisis at the back forced Favre's hand.

At 17, he scored with a powerful header on his debut and has continued to progress ever since. The youngster has also proved to be versatile, playing both in the heart of defence but also at left-back.

He is comfortable on the ball and adept at bringing it out of defence, a trait Lampard will have no doubt be impressed by as it fits the way Chelsea want to play.

While Silva is very much a signing for the present with the 35-year-old expected to slot right in, Sarr could be considered as a more long term project at the club.