Transfer news: Chelsea confirm signing of Liverpool 'target' Mohamed Salah

Chelsea have confirmed that an agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of Mohamed Salah after Jose Mourinho hijacked Liverpool's efforts to sign the attacking midfielder.

The fee, as yet unconfirmed but believed to be in excess of £12m, is larger than the Reds were willing to pay while the deal is subject to the agreement of personal terms and the completion of a medical.

Mourinho has previous in proving he is one step ahead of his rivals after out-manoeuvring former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre-Villas Boas to securing the £30m acquisition of Willian last summer.

Liverpool, on the other hand, had held a keen interest in the 21-year-old for a matter of months and talks had reached an advanced stage yesterday afternoon.

The Blues, however, are now in pole position to bring the Egyptian international to the Premier League after contacting the Swiss champions last night.

With Juan Mata on the verge of joining Manchester United for £37m, Mourinho has been holding off on completing the deal until a replacement was found.

Salah impressed against Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this season, scoring in both of group stage games, including the winner in Switzerland.