Manchester United said on Wednesday they had agreed to sell Argentine international Juan Sebastian Veron to Chelsea for 15 million pounds ($24 million).

The 28-year-old midfielder, who cost 28 million pounds when he joined United from Italian club Lazio in 2001, had been the subject of speculation about a move to the big-spending London club for most of the close season.

"They have accepted our bid of 15 million pounds," Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's website.

"And now providing he wishes to speak to us we can proceed with negotiating personal terms and putting him through a medical."

Veron is the latest in a string of high-profile signings made by Chelsea since the takeover by billionaire Russian businessman Roman Abramovich last month.

Chelsea will be hoping the deal can be sealed before UEFA's transfer deadline for eligibility to play in the Champions League third qualifying round expires on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Chelsea agreed a fee of 6.6 million pounds with West Ham United for promising young England midfielder Joe Cole.

That came after they had signed up Ireland winger Damian Duff from Blackburn Rovers for 17 million pounds, West Ham defender Glen Johnson (up to 6.0 million), Cameroonian midfielder Geremi (6.9 million) and England defender Wayne Bridge (7.0 million).

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