Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte is reportedly set to join Leeds United on loan.
The playmaker is currently in the heart of a season-long spell with Chelsea, but that deal is now expected to be cut short.
Buonanotte was the subject of interest from the Whites over the summer, but he opted against joining Daniel Farke’s side to instead head to Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine’s spell with the Blues hasn’t panned out how he would have hoped though. Buonanotte has made just eight appearances in all competitions for the Blues, and he was initially left out of their Champions League squad before injuries eventually prompted his inclusion.
With Cole Palmer now working his way back to full fitness and newly-appointed Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior expected to shake up his ranks over the next few weeks, Buonanotte appears to have decided against spending the remainder of the campaign in West London.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old is set to join Leeds on loan until the end of the season, with a verbal agreement now in place.
Buonanotte is expected to undergo his medical at Elland Road in due course, with Chelsea and Brighton both agreeing to cut short the initial loan and allow the playmaker to head elsewhere.
The former Rosario Central prospect will be keen to nail down a starting spot with Leeds, with his versatility allowing him to play out on the right or as a No. 10 behind strikers Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Speaking after Buonanotte’s initial loan move to Chelsea was announced, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler reiterated that he felt the player’s long-term future still lies with the Seagulls.
The German said: “This is a great opportunity for Facundo to play regular Premier League and Champions League football this season and further his development.
“Facundo has great potential, and we see his long-term future with us here, and we will be monitoring his progress with Chelsea this season.”