Chelsea are reportedly ready to put Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez through a medical, despite no agreement being reached over a transfer.
Although the Blues have already strengthened their squad with six additions in January, they are keen to secure a club-record deal for Fernandez.
The Premier League giants have indicated to their Benfica counterparts that they are willing to meet Fernandez's €120m (£105.6m) release clause.
However, the relevant parties are yet to reach a common ground over the payment structure, with Chelsea wishing to pay the fee in more instalments than Benfica want to accept.
If reports are to be believed, they are still in discussions in an attempt to reach a resolution, even with Benfica not in any rush to cash in on the World Cup winner.
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Nevertheless, time is ticking ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and it has seemingly resulted in Chelsea officials taking a more proactive approach than expected.
According to Sky Sports News, the West Londoners want Fernandez to undergo a medical in Portugal in order to speed up the process if financial terms are eventually agreed.
The 22-year-old is already happy with the personal terms on offer at Stamford Bridge and the World Cup winner wishes to complete the move as soon as possible.
Fernandez has already been left out of the squad for Tuesday's Primeira Liga encounter with Arouca with his future up in the air.
Chelsea have agreed to sell Jorginho to Arsenal to free up a space in their midfield ranks, but Conor Gallagher will be staying in Graham Potter's squad.
Darren Plant
