PSG 'beat Chelsea to £41million deal' for Paredes (L'Equipe)

Paris Saint-Germain have 'agreed a deal to sign Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg for £41million'.

The 24-year-old is set to sign a four-and-a-half year contract with the French league leaders after completing a medical, according to sports newspaper L'Equipe.

Paredes, who was also a target for Premier League side Chelsea, joined Zenit in July 2017 from AS Roma and has been capped nine times by Argentina.

The news comes as a blow for the Blues who are believed to have  agreed a deal in principle to bring Paredes to Stamford Bridge earlier this month, according to The Telegraph.

Chelsea are still looking for Cesc Fabregas's replacement after the Spaniard left to join Monaco this month.

The Premier League outfit were not quick enough in their pursuit of Paredes, leaving PSG to swoop in and make their move.

Paredes generally operates as a defensive midfielder but has still chipped in with three goals and two assists in 15 Russian Premier League games this season.

The 24-year-old will be a welcome addition to the Parisian club's midfield after manager Thomas Tuchel was keen to add to in preparation for their Champions League clash with Manchester United.

PSG are 13 points clear of Lille at the top of Ligue 1 and face Rennes at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.