AC Milan have moved a step closer to securing the services of Cesc Fabregas after reaching a verbal agreement about a summer move, reports Calciomercato, viaFootball Italia. Fabregas was heavily linked with a move to Milan in the January transfer window after dropping down the pecking order under Antonio Conte this season but the departures of John Obi Mikel and Oscar effectively ruled his departure out.

However, Chelsea are expected to strengthen their midfield options further in the summer and that will only limit Fabregas’ involvement further and Milan, who completed their new takeover last week, are ready to launch another move for the Spaniard.

Fabregas has reportedly given his word to Milan that he would join them in the summer if he does leave Chelsea, but no fee and personal terms have been agreed, with Chelsea understood to be holding out for €25m (£21.2m). Despite limited game time this season the Spain international has been superb when called upon, having scored or assisted 11 goals in 25 league appearances in which only nine of them have been as a starter. In fact, he is decisive every 87.5 minutes of league action.