Head coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that he wants Chelsea to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella as soon as possible.

Throughout this week, the Blues have been heavily linked with an approach for the Spaniard, who had initially appeared keen to sign for Manchester City.

When it emerged that the Premier League champions would not meet Cucurella's valuation, Chelsea moved swiftly to open discussions over a transfer.

On Thursday evening, reports claimed that the West Londoners had agreed to paid £55m for the left-sided player, with a further £7m due in add-ons.

Furthermore, it was suggested that Chelsea prospect Levi Colwill would be moving on loan in the opposite direction, rather than on a permanent basis.

At his pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture with Everton on Saturday evening, Tuchel admitted that the two deals were close to completion.

Speaking to reporters, Tuchel said: "Well, it's not done yet. I don't want to tell you that I don't know nothing about it. Of course, the paperwork is in process and hopefully we can get it finished before noon and that Marc is our player.

"Marc is a fantastic player, young player. He's young, hungry, mobile, and a very intelligent player. Can play in several positions in our system and that is why we hope that the transfer goes through.

"If it goes through, it opens some options, like for Levi Colwill to maybe find some game time elsewhere."

When quizzed on whether he would like Colwill to return to Stamford Bridge after a proposed temporary exit, Tuchel added: "Yes, but it is like, you know, it is a bit hard to judge him. He went out, came back, and there was not a lot of game time during pre-season because of a little injury he caught in training.

"The situation is the situation. It is very individual, always. If there is the possibility for him to have a good loan, or a situation where he can develop and improve, we are open for any talks and any solutions."

For either player to be eligible for the opening weekend of the season, their respective transfers would need to be completed by midday on Friday.

With Cucurella due to arrive at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are said to be ready to allow Marcos Alonso to sign for Barcelona.

However, if Cucurella is not available for the trip to Goodison Park, that proposed transfer may be delayed until next week.