Newcastle United & Manchester United transfer target undergoes medical ahead of £38m move

Monaco central defender Axel Disasi is set to move to the Premier League following months of speculation.

The Frenchman has been regularly linked with Newcastle United and Manchester United, however is on the verge of joining Chelsea in a deal worth around £38million.

Disasi has already arrived in England and is expected to undergo his medical today (Tuesday) ahead of signing a five-year contract.

The Blues have opted to pursue a move for the 25-year-old as they prepare to start the campaign without centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

While Badiashile’s injury is not long-term, Fofana could miss the majority of 2023-24 after undergoing surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“Really sad, really bad news,” said Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. “We feel so sad. All we can do is to help him. We wish him all the best and hope it’s as soon as possible [that he can] be with the team again this season.

“It’s tough but we need to keep going, the competition is there, less than one month to the Premier League, the competition doesn’t wait for anyone, and we need to compete.

“I hope he can be ready to play [this season]. We have seen all the information and know it can be difficult. The problem is different bodies evolve in different ways.

“Hopefully everything goes well with his recovery and he can be ready as soon as possible before the end of the sea.”

Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe is hoping to bolster his defence in the coming weeks. He remains keen on signing Southampton full-back Tino Livramento, as well as a right-sided central defender.