Chelsea transfer target Nicolas Tagliafico ‘set to sign new Ajax deal next week but free to join new club next summer’

CHELSEA transfer target Nicolas Tagliafico is set to sign a new Ajax deal but can still leave next summer, according to reports.

The Argentine was heavily linked with the Blues before they signed Ben Chilwell this summer.

And the 28-year-old could still be up for grabs at the end of the season despite the new contract with the Dutch champions in the offing, according to .

The Argentina international is said to have agreed a new deal in principle with Ajax.

His agent Ricardo Schlieper has confirmed the club reached an agreement with the player on Thursday afternoon.

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Tagliafico's current deal expires in 2022 but the new contract is said to run until 2023 with a release clause part of the new deal.

An 'informal agreement' is in place which would allow Tagliafico to leave to 'pursue his dream of playing in a top competition' once this season has finished.

The new deal will ensure Ajax bag a higher fee for the star who was valued at £24.5million this summer.

Manchester City are also said to be keen on the 27-cap Argentine international.

He was eyed by City in the summer transfer window, with the club looking for competition for Benjamin Mendy.

But Etihad chiefs could not offload Oleksandr Zinchenko in time, who was determined to stay and fight for his spot.

However, SunSport understands the club plan to make another swoop in January.

Atletico were interested in the defender 12 months ago and are understood to be keen on signing him in the upcoming window.

But with the impact of the coronavirus biting, boss Diego Simeone is likely to have to sell before he can buy.