Chelsea have reached agreement with Barcelona for the signing of Oriol Romeu.

Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas confirmed the news at a press conference in Bangkok, although 19-year-old Romeu is yet to have a medical or agree personal terms as he is currently with Spain at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The defensive midfielder made his debut for the Barcelona first team at the end of last season, but is not part of Pep Guardiola's long-term plans at Camp Nou.

A statement on the Chelsea website read: "Chelsea Football Club has agreed terms with Barcelona for the transfer of Oriol Romeu."

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. 
Andre Villas-Boas on Oriol Romeu

Romeu could help fill the void left by the serious knee injury suffered by Michael Essien earlier this month.

Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with 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."