Chelsea sign Barcelona teen

English Premier League club Chelsea have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Spanish defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu.

Romeu, 19, will be in Colombia competing at the Under-20 World Cup for Spain until August 20 at the latest, meaning the deal is not expected to be finalised next month.

With Michael Essien ruled out for up to six months after undergoing knee surgery, Romeu could provide cover in central midfield for the English Premier League side.

“He’s one of the most interesting, bright young players in the number six position, as we like to call it,” Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said.

“And hopefully we can agree personal terms with the player and hopefully he will pass a medical. Oriol is a player, of course with a bright future, he still has to evolve as a player and prove himself as a player.”

Romeu made his full Barcelona debut in May, after featuring for the reserve team 49 times.

Villas-Boas also discussed the future of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The 19-year-old joined Chelsea from Belgian club Racing Genk earlier this month, but was already set to join Atletico Madrid on loan as Chelsea look to further his development.

“Regarding Cortois, it is also a question of time and of deciding where we think it is better for him to evolve as a player, in Spain or in another country,” Villas-Boas said.

“Of course, the Spanish League is extremely competitive and Atletico is a great club to be at, but it is not decided yet.”

Courtois also had the option of returning to Genk next season, but has since passed a medical with Atletico and will spend the 2011/12 campaign at the La Liga club.

Chelsea will play a Thailand Premier League All-Stars XI in Bangkok on Sunday.

Runners-up to Manchester United last season, they begin their latest Premier League title challenge on August 14 with a trip to Stoke City.