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Chelsea have been closing in on the signing of Édouard Mendy all week, and things now look to be entering a decisive phase.

L’Equipe report the goalkeeper hasn’t trained with Rennes on Friday morning, with the insinuation being it’s very much transfer related. He’s been at the club’s base, accompanied by his agent, and left without taking part in the group session ahead of the match against Nimes.

According to the French newspaper, negotiations became ‘stuck’ on Thursday. L’Equipe believe Chelsea have been offering around €20m, whereas Rennes have been aiming for €30m.

That asking price is higher than has been suggested previously, so is likely flexible. Another issue for Rennes is their search for a successor, and needing to secure an option before they let Mendy leave.

L’Equipe hint negotiations with Chelsea must have taken a step forward on Friday morning, which would explain Mendy not training, and him leaving the Rennes base with his agent.