Chelsea are close to signing Jose Bosingwa, after FC Porto announced the two clubs had agreed a fee of €20.5 million (£16.1m) for the player.

Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa have been tracking Bosingwa, but Chelsea have moved quickly to tie up a deal, providing he passes a medical. Bosingwa who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to be offered a four or five-year contract.

A statement released by the Portuguese club read: "FC Porto wishes to inform the market that a deal has been reached in principle with Chelsea for the definitive sale of the rights of Jose Bosingwa for the price of €20.5m. The club also announces that the agreement of this transfer will be made formal once the player has passed medical tests."

Chelsea have also confirmed the deal, a statement read: "Chelsea can confirm it has reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical."

Bosingwa is a fast, overlapping full-back who has broken into the Portugal side in recent seasons and would be expected to replace Paulo Ferreira, his fellow countryman, as the first choice at Stamford Bridge. FC Porto have been holding out for money because 20 per cent of the transfer fee needs to be paid to Rui Neno, an agent who owns a share of the player’s economic rights. Chelsea will need to take full control of the player to adhere to new Premier League rules against third-party ownership.

The 25-year-old will play for Portugal in the European Championships next month, but was born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He moved to Seia in central Portugal when he was young. He began his career mainly playing in midfield for Boavista, for whom he made more than 40 appearances. He also played as a right-back, winger and defensive midfield player.

He moved to FC Porto in 2003, where he played under Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager. He was an unused substitute when they defeated Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League Final in 2004. He has been the club’s first choice right back for the past three seasons.

Three years ago, Bosingwa was involved in a serious car accident when his jeep skidded off a motorway and rolled down an embankment before bursting into flames. He was with four other players at the time, but all escaped alive. However, Sandro Luis had to have his left foot amputated as a result of the accident.