Premier League giants Chelsea are in talks with Belgium outfit Genk over the signing of Kevin de Bruyne.
The 20 year old has been on Chelsea's radar for some time and could be a Blues player by the end of the week after Genk chief Dirk Degraen flew in to London for talks.
If a deal is done, it is likely the midfielder will be loaned back to the Belgian champions for the rest of the season.
"Dirk Degraen is in London and the expectation is that it (the transfer of De Bruyne) will be finished this week," a Genk spokesman said.
"The assumption is that Kevin de Bruyne will be transferred to Chelsea and then will finish the season (on loan) at Genk."
De Bruyne forced his way in the club's first team in 2009 and helped the Belgian side win the domestic title last season.
De Bruyne made his international debut in 2010 and is viewed as one of the brightest young prospects in the country.
He has already played twice against Chelsea for Genk in this season's Champions League group stage.
Villas-Boas has made just one major signing so far this transfer window - the capture of English defender Gary Cahill from Bolton.
DE BRUYNE PROFILE | |
FULL NAME | KEVIN DE BRUYNE |
DATE OF BIRTH | 28 JUNE 1991 |
NATIONAL TEAM | BELGIUM |
HEIGHT | 1.80 m |
PLAYING POSITION | LEFT WING |
CURRENT CLUB | GENK |
SENIOR TEAM APPEARANCE(CLUB) | 77 |
SENIOR TEAM GOALS(CLUB) | 12 |
INTERESTED SIDE | CHELSEA (ENGLAND) |