Greece v Italy - International Friendly
Honest Ahanor is set to join Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
Crystal Palace are reportedly set to sign defender Honest Ahanor on loan from Chelsea, though the Blues are yet to announce him as their £40million signing from Atalanta. Xabi Alonso's side had agreed a deal for the 18-year-old and received permission for him to travel and undergo a medical.
Ahor, who mainly plays at left-back or centre-back for the Serie A outfit, is considered a top talent and was called up by the Italy national team for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece. But he will have to wait to make his debut for Chelsea, as he is set to immediately go out on loan to Palace.
Sky Sports Italy claim that Ahanor is expected to complete his double English move in the coming hours and will join Axel Disasi, who is also on loan at Palace from Chelsea.
However, two players cannot be loaned to the same league club for the season, likely meaning that Ahanor's move to Chelsea will officially go through next season.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Ahanor made 28 Serie A appearances last season for Atalanta and also competed in the Champions League.
There was also reported interest from Porto in taking the young defender on loan for the season, but Chelsea prefer for Ahanor to get Premier League experience at Selhurst Park.
He is of the same mould as Jorrel Hato and Levi Colwill, with Alonso deciding he has enough options in the back to send Ahanor elsewhere.
It is the second piece of business between Chelsea and Atalanta, with Marco Palestra also joining the Blues, though he is yet to make his league debut due to a minor injury.
FC Schalke 04 v Atalanta BC - Pre-Season Friendly
Honest Ahanor is set to become Chelsea's latest signing. (Image: Getty)
Chelsea have already strengthened defensively by adding Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria this summer, both of whom featured in Sunday's 4-3 thrilling victory over Brighton.
Plenty of movement is expected before Tuesday's transfer deadline, though much of it concerns a proposed move to Manchester City for Enzo Fernandez.
The two clubs are in talks over a deal worth more than £110m.
Chelsea have identified Monaco's Lamine Camara as a replacement, having started Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto in the middle of the pitch against Brighton.
There are suggestions a second incoming could follow if Fernandez does reunite with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca in Manchester too.