Chelsea close in on Nathan Ake while Barcelona encourage Frenkie De Jong bid after Todd Boehly meeting

After negotiations with Manchester City progressed this week, Chelsea is in advanced talks to buy Nathan Ake.

Thomas Tuchel is optimistic that a deal will be reached for the Dutchman, who Chelsea sold to Bournemouth for £20 million in the summer of 2017, despite City's estimated price of £41 million.

Raheem Sterling will shortly become the first star male addition of the team's new era and is also near to finalizing a deal to Stamford Bridge.

The England forward has agreed a small increase on his £300,000-a-week wages and is expected to join the club for their pre-season tour of the US.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali met Barcelona representatives in the Catalan city on Thursday night, where it is believed the La Liga club encouraged a bid for midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is keen to reunite with the player he coached to stardom while at Ajax, although the club are yet to make a breakthrough.

Chelsea have identified Matthijs De Ligt as another top defensive target but it is thought the Dutchman would prefer a move to Bayern Munich.

Chelsea remain favourites to sign Raphinha, with Leeds still waiting on an offer from Barcelona.

The Blues have all-but agreed a £55m deal in principle to sign Raphinha from Leeds and are ready to triple his wages with a contract worth around £120,000-a-week

The 25-year-old is thought to favour a move to Barcelona but their move has stalled because they are unable to fund a deal.

With a suitable offer yet to materialise from Barcelona, a decision on Raphinha’s future is expected this week.