Massive blow for Man Utd and Liverpool as "spectacular" player agrees to join Premier League rivals

World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez has agreed to move to Chelsea, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Fernandez, 21, has become one of the most sought-after players in European football after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.

The Benfica midfielder, who was described as "spectacular" by his international Lionel Messi during the tournament, has been linked with a number of top clubs – including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Reports earlier this month claimed that Liverpool had reached an agreement with Fernandez over a potential move to Anfield.

But it now appears that Chelsea are favourites to sign the midfielder, who is believed to have a release clause of around £105m in his Benfica contract.

Transfer expert Romano claims the London club could be prepared to offer a "huge fee" potentially greater than his release clause so they can spread out the payments, rather than paying it up front.

Romano: Fernandez has said yes to Chelsea

"Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez," tweeted Romano.

"Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution. Benfica always asked full €120m clause.

"Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now."

If accurate, it could be the second time in recent months that Chelsea have agreed to pay a fee greater than a player's release clause.

They are believed to have used the same tactic to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, with the player expected to join the Blues at the end of the season.

Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernández. Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution 🚨🔵 #CFC

Benfica always asked full €120m clause.
Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea.#LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now. pic.twitter.com/Kdvz5Eargi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2022

Nkunku had a £53m release clause in his Leipzig contract but Romano himself previously reported that Chelsea had paid around £10m more to secure the signing of the France international.

Fernandez, meanwhile, has moved to cool the speculation surrounding his future, insisting his only focus was on his next match with Benfica.

"I don't know anything about that," said Fernandez, when asked about the reports linking him with a January transfer.

"It's up to my agent, I don't want to get involved.

"I'm focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game."