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Chelsea agree Salah deal

By Jay Jaffa

Jan 23, 2014 4:51:00 PM

The Blues have confirmed they have signed the FC Basel winger, subject to the agreement of personal terms and pending a medical, as Juan Mata prepares to join Manchester United

Chelsea have agreed a deal for 21-year-old FC Basel winger Mohamed Salah.

The Blues have revealed that an agreement has been reached between themselves and the Swiss Super League side for the transfer of the Egypt international, subject to personal terms and pending a medical.

Goal understands that Jose Mourinho's side could end up paying a fee in the region of £16 million for the talented wide player, with Premier League rivals Liverpool, who had been strongly linked with a move, put off by the lofty pricetag.

As Goal reported on Wednesday night, Chelsea view Salah as a direct replacement for Juan Mata, who is expected to join Manchester United in a £37m deal.

Indeed Mata, who has made just one appearance for the Blues since December 29, flew in to United's Carrington training base by helicopter earlier on Thursday as he underwent a medical at the club's new £10m healthcare facility.

Salah, meanwhile, has faced Chelsea four times in the past two seasons, scoring three times against the Blues and has racked up 78 appearances and 20 goals for Basel since signing from Al Mokawloon in 2012. -------------------- goal.com