Olympique Marseille president Vincent Labrune ACCEPTED a €38 million bid from Crystal Palace for Michy Batshuayi before Chelsea made their move, it has been revealed.
L'Equipe says Chelsea had been in contact with OM and Batshuayi for some weeks, but were forced to bring forward their plans after being informed of Palace's offer.
West Ham and Juventus had also tabled bids, but they fell short of Labrune's valuation.
After Chelsea had made their offer - and it had been accepted by Labrune - West Ham came back with a new bid of €39 million plus bonuses, but Batshuayi had already made up his mind. Chelsea's bid was for €40 million plus bonuses.
At the eleventh hour, Tottenham made a late bid, again meeting Labrune's valuation. But Batshuayi was steadfast, he wanted Chelsea.
A five-year contract has now been agreed for the Belgian, with Chelsea preparing to confirm the agreement.