Saturday, 23rd July, 2011
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has explained why he is keen to complete a deal for Barcelona youngster Oriol Romeu.
The English club have agreed a fee with Barcelona for the 19-year-old midfielder, although the player himself has yet to discuss terms and pass a medical due to being away with Spain’s Under-20 squad at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.
"I don’t want to speak much about him because he isn’t our player", said Villas-Boas on Chelsea’s current tour of Asia.
"It’s [the midfield] a part of the squad in which we are struggling with injuries and numbers because of Michael Essien’s injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.
"The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season, but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team.
"So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical."
However, while Chelsea may snap up Romeu for an agreed €5M, Barcelona look certain to insert a clause in the deal which will allow them to buy back the midfielder at any point during a two-year period for a set price.
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