Chelsea have agreed a EUR14 million deal with FC Basel to sign highly-rated defender Renato Veiga, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The dynamic defender/midfielder will bolster their options under new manager Enzo Maresca.

The 20-year-old Portuguese Under-21 international is expected to undergo a medical in London before signing a long-term contract until 2032.

Veiga is comfortable playing as a left-sided centre-back, left-back, or even a number six in midfield. The Blues have been looking for this sort of Swiss army knife player in the transfer market and have found their man.

He is viewed as a perfect fit for Maresca's system. The 44-year-old Italian manager wants full-backs who can invert into midfield and the Basel man fits the bill.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella fulfils that role to an extent, but Veiga offers a significant aerial presence at 6ft 3in, addressing a perceived weakness in Chelsea's backline.

The Portuguese youngster made 26 appearances for Basel last season, contributing two goals and an assist. He becomes Chelsea's fifth summer signing after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, and Omari Kellyman.

Veiga may not be an immediate first-team starter, but his versatility and potential development under Maresca are key factors in the deal.

Marseca will assess him in pre-season before deciding if he's ready for Premier League action or needs a loan spell to gain experience.

The West London club has been looking for a versatile left-footed defender and was eyeing a move for Bologna man Riccardo Calafiori or Nottingham Forest's Murillo.

Veiga comes at a more manageable price than the pair. Chelsea view him as a valuable addition, especially considering his height advantage and cleaner injury record compared to the Italian defender.

Veiga is the type of adaptable, multi-positional player increasingly sought after by modern managers like Maresca. His arrival gives the manager tactical flexibility as they look to return to Champions League football.