Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Cristian Manea from Romanian club Viitorul Constanta

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £2.3m deal to sign highly-rated Romanian youngster Cristian Manea.

According to the Daily Mail, the young right-back, who plays for Viitorul Constanta has been on Chelsea's radar from September after they approached the player with an offer. He is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Blues.

The 17-year-old defender, who has been impressive for his club has already made his debut for the senior Romania team, and this has attracted interest from various top clubs around Europe.

Apart from the Blues, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Eredivisie giants Ajax are also said to have registered their interest in signing the player. But Jose Mourinho's team is said to have won the race for his signature.

Manea, who is yet to turn 18, will sign a long-term contract with the west London club and is expected to be immediately loaned out to either Vitesse in the Netherlands or to Real Mallorca in Spain.

The right-back's quick development can be credited to former Romania captain Gheorghe Hage, who is currently the first team coach at Constanta.

Meanwhile, Chelsea star Eden Hazard has credited his teammates for the hard fought victory over West Ham United on Wednesday.

The Stamford Bridge outfit struggled to get past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian and the midfielder understands that a team is always vulnerable with just one goal, but believes it was the whole team defending 'like dogs' that took them over the line and gave them the much needed three points.

"It was difficult but I think we deserved to win," Hazard said, as quoted by Chelsea's official site.

"They played very well and we know it's always like this when you play here. It was a very important three points after the draw at home against Burnley."

"It's always difficult when you don't score a second goal and kill the game but defensively we were very strong. The whole team defended like dogs," the Belgian explained.

"After a final it is not easy to keep going and stay concentrated in the league but we are top of the table and we want to stay there."