Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech this summer in a £38m deal that is likely to be announced in the coming days.
The 26-year-old was a January transfer target for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
But the Dutch club were unwilling to sell in the transfer window as they chase the Eredivisie title.
The signing of the Morocco international would be the first by Lampard following Chelsea's transfer window ban.
Chelsea were linked with a number of signings in the January window including Paris St-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and Napoli striker Dries Mertens.
But Lampard's apparent frustration with a lack of new arrivals is understood to have stemmed from clubs refusing to sell rather than any problems with Chelsea's recruitment strategy.
Ziyech contributed to a memorable Ajax goal against Chelsea in the 4-4 draw in their Champions League group game in November.
The winger's free-kick from near the corner flag, curled over Kepa Arrizabalaga's head and hit the far post before rebounding in off the Chelsea goalkeeper for an own goal.
Ziyech played the final 10 minutes of Ajax's 3-0 win against Vitesse in the Dutch Cup on Wednesday, as he returned from a calf injury.
After the game, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag said: "I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great.
"I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of it."
Latest Stories
-
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
46 mins -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
47 mins -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
48 mins -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
48 mins -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
53 mins -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
55 mins -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
55 mins -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
56 mins -
Ellembelle MP cuts sod for six-unit classroom block at Nkroful Agric SHS
59 mins -
‘I’ll beat the hell out of you if you misbehave on December 7’ – Achiase Commanding Officer
1 hour -
AFPNC leads the charge on World Prematurity Day 2024
1 hour -
Court remands unemployed man over theft of ECG property
1 hour -
Election security rests solely with the police – Central Regional Police Command
1 hour -
NCCE engages political youth activists at Kumbungu on tolerance
1 hour -
‘In Mahama’s era students lacked chalk, but are now receiving tablets’ – Bawumia
1 hour