Southampton believe they have won the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tete, 90min understands.
The Saints are confident of sealing the Brazilian's signature in a summer transfer, with the Premier League blocking the use of FIFA and UEFA's approved window for Ukrainian and Russian clubs' foreign players to find new teams mid-season.
Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Leicester and West Ham are among the Premier League sides keen on Tete. On the continent, Milan, Atalanta, Napoli, Porto, Benfica and Ajax have been keeping an eye on him, but the 22-year-old is set to head to St Mary's.
FIFA and UEFA regulations allow players to have their contracts terminated if they go more than three months without being paid, though it's uncertain whether these same rules will apply given the unprecedented situation in Ukraine.
Whether the transfer involves paying a fee to Shakhtar or not, Southampton remain confident of concluding a deal.
After a resurgent mid-season spell, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side lost four games on the bounce heading into the March international break, falling to tenth place in the Premier League and exiting the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Nevertheless, the Saints have maintained their reputation of developing younger players. Chelsea loanee Armando Broja has emerged as one of the league's brightest young forwards, while Kyle Walker-Peters' impressive form was rewarded with an England debut at the weekend.
Source : 90min