Chelsea agree fee for Barcelona's Under-20 international Oriol Romeu

The Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has announced the club have agreed a deal for the Barcelona midfielder Oriel Romeu. Photograph: Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters

Chelsea have agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu, in a deal thought to be around ?4.5m, and will now seek to finalise a contract with the Spaniard.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder, who played regularly for the Barcelona B team and who is currently at the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia with Spain, has yet to undergo a medical at Chelsea but is being lined up as cover for the injured Michael Essien.

The Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

"The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division - they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical."

Chelsea are also attempting to sign the Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku, the 18-year-old who the club believe can develop into a player similar to the striker Didier Drogba. However, if they are successful in their bid, the forward may be loaned out to gain first-team experience.

Villas-Boas also revealed the decision to loan Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to Atletico Madrid once he completes his move from Racing Genk had not been finalised.

"The Spanish League is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future," he said. "It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties."

Villas-Boas' is likely to spend again before the transfer window closes, with the blessing of chief executive Ron Gourlay, who said: "From our activity in the marketplace in the past, if the coach feels there is a player available that can strengthen our team then we almost definitely go into the market place."

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