Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Saul Niguez on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
There was some talk earlier in the day that a move for the 26-year-old midfielder looked unlikely before tonight's 11pm deadline, but the latest developments suggest that Saul is on his way to Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel's side wanted to sign Saul on a season-long loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer, but Atletico were insistent on it being an obligation to buy.
Chelsea did not want to commit to buying the Spain international, which could be partly to do with their long-term interest in England midfielder Declan Rice.
Rice, who was released by the Blues as a youngster, has earned interest from his former club over the past couple of seasons due to his fine performances for West Ham United.
So, if Chelsea do manage to sign Saul today, as is now expected, then this could pave the way for Rice to come in next summer.
That's what some Blues supporters think anyway.
Despite Chelsea's interest in Rice, West Ham understandably do not want to sell the England midfielder.
Hammers boss David Moyes said earlier this year that the former Blues youth man would not be available, even if a bid over £100million arrived their way.
Moyes said: "I don't agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer. Far, far more than £100m. Far, far more.
"I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and come in and nowhere near had the impact Declan Rice would have.
"I certainly wouldn't put a price on it. You can decide which figure you want to put on it but I wouldn't be sanctioning anything like that, that's for sure."
