Chelsea defender Renato Veiga has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in Germany

Veiga joined Chelsea in a £12 million deal from Swiss side Basel last summer but he has been unable to secure a regular role in the team under Enzo Maresca.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has played just 177 minutes in the Premier League and the majority of his playing time has been in the Conference League.

Viega played a full game at left-back in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on Saturday but the Portugal international may now be on the move.

According to Sky Germany, Veiga has reached an agreement with Dortmund but the Bundesliga club remain in negotiations with Chelsea over a deal this month.

The report adds that Dortmund are looking to secure a loan with an option to buy.

Speaking this week, Maresca said he was ‘happy’ to have Veiga in his squad and gave no indication that the Portuguese defender would leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.

Earlier this season, Maresca also praised Veiga for the versatility he has shown since his move to Chelsea.

‘He has played already as a centre-back, a full-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder,’ Maresca said in October.

‘He has already played four or five positions. One of my first press conferences, I said that the reason why I really like and love Chelsea is because many players can be versatile,” Maresca explained.

‘Today, in my idea, if they can play different positions, then it is better for the team and especially for the players. Today, if you just play one position, I don’t think it’s enough. You need to learn more positions.

‘Renato, Malo [Gusto], they are playing in different positions and they are doing well.’
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