Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is closing in on a loan move to Southampton.
Ugochukwu is due to undergo a medical with the south coast club on Friday ahead of joining them for the upcoming season.
The 20-year-old’s move is set to be a straight loan without the option for a permanent move, with Chelsea viewing him as part of their long-term plans.
Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last summer from Rennes as part of a deal worth over £20million, but a hamstring injury picked up shortly before Christmas restricted him to just 15 appearances.
The midfielder has impressed in pre-season this summer and scored against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge last weekend. But Chelsea have decided it would be best for the youngster to go out on loan and gain valuable experience at Southampton.
Ugochukwu could be one of a number of players who leave the Blues before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.
Conor Gallagher remains in limbo as he waits to see if his protracted move to Atletico Madrid will finally go through.
Fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to leave after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Striker Romelu Lukaku, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma, is a target for Napoli.
Chelsea are looking to trim their squad and Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka, David Datro Fofana and Kepa Arrizabalaga are among others who have been linked with moves away.
Chelsea will kick off their Premier League campaign against Manchester City on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
