Chelsea agrees on 10 mln-pound deal with Basel for Mohamed Salah

Chelsea has reportedly revealed that they have reached an agreement with Swiss club Basel for Egypt winger Mohamed Salah in a reputedly 10 million-pound deal, which likely to hasten the departure of Juan Mata to Manchester United.

Providing the deal is wrapped up quickly, Salah, who has been compared to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, could make his debut in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge and will become Chelsea's third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Bertrand Traore and Nemanja Matic.

According to Sport24, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made Salah his top target to replace Spaniard Mata, who is set to join United, and he is on the verge of persuading the Egyptian to move to London despite strong interest from Liverpool.

A statement on the club's website announced that Chelsea has agreed a transfer fee with Basel and Salah, who has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances for his country, will complete his switch to the Premier League side subject to agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Mourinho decided to move for Salah, joined Basel in 2012 from Egyptian Premier League side El Mokawloon, after being impressed by his performances for Basel in two victories over Chelsea in this season's Champions League group stages, the report added.