Arda Turan 'has agreement with Manchester United' but would prefer Chelsea move

Arda Turan's transfer soap opera is ready for another twist after Spanish newspaper AS reported the Atletico Madrid star has reached an agreement to join Manchester United but is waiting for Chelsea to make him an offer as he would rather a move to Stamford Bridge.

The future of the Turkey international has been under increasing scrutiny in recent days after his agent, Ahmet Bulut, revealed to AS that he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid following four successful seasons at the Vicente Calderon.

Bulut admitted offers from Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan but suggested Turan's future lies in England.

"He is planning on leaving Spain this summer. He would like to play in the Premier League. This is the path he would like to see his career take. His departure from Atletico won't be easy due to his €41m buyout clause. I'm in discussion with three clubs but I can't reveal their names. They are three of the best clubs in England and indeed in Europe," Bulut said at the end of June.

The Spanish publication has since claimed both United and Chelsea are interested in securing his services but insisted the Blues are the favourites to sign him as the player would rather move to London and because Filipe Luis could serve them to considerably reduce his €41m (£29m, $45m) buyout clause.

But Catalan newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo surprised all when they announced Turan was on the verge of a move to Barcelona – with the clubs having even reached an agreement.

Turan, who has said he will announce his new club before the end of the week, then appeared to say his farewells to the Atletico Madrid fans with a video message on Facebook but later denied on Twitter the reports claiming his move to Barcelona is a done deal.

"Some reports about my move are not correct. I am on holidays and resting," he said.

Mundo Deportivo responded claiming his move to Barcelona was on hold because the current interim board cannot sanction the deal – as there will be an election to choose a new president on 18 July.

And AS now insists Turan still prefers a move to the Premier League, assuring he already "has a lucrative agreement with United" but is waiting from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to make a final decision as the west London club remains his first choice.

The Spanish publication adds that PSG are still monitoring the situation but Atletico are yet to receive a formal offer from Barcelona.

Furthermore, AS points out Turan would rather a move to the Premier League than to the Camp Nou because should he move to Barcelona, he will not be able to play until January – due to the Catalan's transfer ban.