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David Luiz set to join PSG

Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain for the sale of David Luiz.

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Widespread reports on Friday had claimed the two clubs were in advanced talks over the Brazil international in a deal that would make Luiz the world's most expensive defender.

The BBC suggested a fee in the region of 40 million pounds, while the Daily Mail and Sky Sports put the figure closer to 50 million pounds.

On Friday, the Blues confirmed a deal was in place for the 27-year-old but made no reference to the value of the transfer.

The statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed terms for the transfer of David Luiz to the French club. The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination."

The former Benfica defender is expected to sign a four-year contract, with a further year on option, when the deal is made official when the summer transfer window opens on June 10.

A statement on PSG's official website added: "To respond to the desire of the player to prepare and play the World Cup in his own country in the best conditions possible, the will of the two clubs and of David Luiz was to come to an agreement as quickly as possible between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, on the one hand, and between the Parisian club and the player on the other in order to make the transfer official as soon as the transfer window opens."

PSG paid a reported 42 million euros (35 million pounds) in 2012 for Thiago Silva, who could now link up with his Brazil teammate in central defence.

Luiz's arrival will also make up for the departure of Alex, another Brazil defender bought from Chelsea in 2012, who is out of contract.

The 30 million pounds (then 44.8 million euros) Manchester United paid Leeds for Rio Ferdinand in 2002 is the highest transfer fee ever paid for a defender in terms of euros. Silva's deal is the highest in pounds because of a change in exchange rates.

Laurent Blanc had earlier said PSG would strengthen their squad this summer despite having been sanctioned for breaching UEFA's financial fair play rules, and the coach had already expressed his admiration for Luiz.

Luiz, for his part, had welcomed the speculation he could be set for a move across the Channel.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich were reportedly also pursuing the player, who has spent three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, making 143 appearances.

Last season, Luiz was primarily used in defensive midfield by Jose Mourinho after being unable to break up the central defensive partnership of John Terry and Gary Cahill.

His departure means Tomas Kalas will be given further first-team opportunities next season while Kurt Zouma, signed from St Etienne in January and immediately loaned back to the French side, will also link up with the Blues.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.