Santos manager Paulo Turra has confirmed that Chelsea target Deivid Washington missed the game against Athletico Paranaense at the weekend as a move away from the Brazilian club is imminent.

It is believed that the 18-year-old is close to sealing a transfer to Stamford Bridge, which could be worth €20m (£17m), including add-ons, and Turra says he was ordered by the club’s president not to select the forward:

“Deivid? It was a request from the president. Not a request. An order from the president. That he’s being traded and everyone knows it.”

The teenager has the same agent as Angelo Gabriel, Giuliano Bertolucci, so there is an expectation that Deivid will seal a move to England, barring any last-minute change of heart.

A rival club have tried to hijack Chelsea’s deal

Reports in France have revealed that Monaco have made their own approach for Deivid, with their sporting director Thiago Scuro having travelled to Brazil in order to persuade the player and his family.

However, the Ligue One side are not able to match Chelsea’s bid for the striker, which means the Blues remain in pole position to secure his signature.

Deivid could be loaned out

The Brazilian could still end up moving to France this summer, though, even if he does seal his switch to the Blues before the transfer window closes.

It is believed that Deivid could be loaned out straight away to feeder club Strasbourg, where he could join up with his former Santos teammate Angelo.

The Chelsea winger is set to start training with his new team this week. Although he did impress manager Mauricio Pochettino with his performances during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, it was felt that it would be better for his development if he was given regular game time at Strasbourg.