Jordan Henderson is edging closer to joining Chelsea after Brentford gave the 36-year-old permission to terminate his contract a year early.
Talks between Henderson and Chelsea are advancing, with the former Liverpool midfielder expected to bring experience to Xabi Alonso's squad. Alonso and his players are currently in Sydney, Australia for the start of their pre-season tour.
Chelsea have shifted their summer transfer strategy away from purely targeting young players and are now actively pursuing older, more experienced additions.
Welbeck also in line to join
Danny Welbeck is also set to sign for Chelsea after agreeing a two-year deal. The Brighton striker, 35, is scheduled to undergo a medical before flying to join the team's pre-season in Hong Kong if all goes to plan. Neither Chelsea nor Brighton has disclosed a fee.
Alonso is described as a firm believer in a balanced squad. Chelsea had originally targeted Granit Xhaka, 33, but Sunderland refused to sell their captain. John Stones, 32, is meanwhile in talks with Inter Milan.
Chelsea's other recent transfer activity includes the near-confirmed signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million, while Morgan Rogers has already joined from Aston Villa for £117 million.
