Real Madrid are just hours away from completing the signing of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea and expect to unveil the goalkeeper on deadline day.
Courtois has been agitating for a move away from Stamford Bridge all summer and looks set to finally get his wish in what is to be an expected deal worth £35million.
The Belgian stopper has gone AWOL from Chelsea, refusing to return to pre-season training in a desperate bid to force a move to the Spanish captial.
Chelsea have since opened disciplinary proceedings against the 26-year-old and are set to fine him two-weeks wages worth around £200,000.
Courtois is expected to put pen to paper on a contract spanning six years, with the European champions targeting a 12.30pm BST.
The move comes after Chelsea moved quick in bringing in a replacement after agreeing to pay Athletic Bilbao’s release clause for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Blues will smash the world-record fee for a keeper, set only this summer by Liverpool for Alisson, by paying £72million for the Spain international.
Chelsea deposited the fee in full to lawyers in Spain on Wednesday morning, paving the way for Kepa’s arrival.
The 23-year-old was pictured at Madrid airport on Tuesday night as he prepared to fly from Getafe to London.
He will undergo a medical and sign a long-term deal, which will trigger Courtois’ departure.
As part of the deal, the Blues could also receive wantaway midfielder Mateo Kovacic on loan for the season.
Chelsea focused attention on Kepa with time running out in the window and concerns over their other options.
Sevilla’s Sergio Rico and Stoke’s Jack Butland, while both are considerably cheaper, have been more inconsistent.