GALLAS AGENT CONFIRMS TALKS

As we reported on Wednesday, Chelsea have launched a bid to sign one of the most highly rated defenders in Europe and now Diouf claims a deal is nearly complete.

"The negotiations should succeed in the next few hours," said Diouf.

"Anyway, the deal should be settled before the end of the week."

It is believed that the two clubs are still negotiating a fee with Marseille wanting 60 million francs (£5.6 million), but Chelsea only offering 50 million (£4.7 million).

However, this should not prove a major stumbling block and a deal should be struck in the next few days.

Fiorentina are also believed to be looking to lodge a 55 million franc bid, but sources suggest that The Blues negotiations are too far down the road for the deal to falter.