Brighton’s Danny Welbeck set for Chelsea medical after agreeing two-year deal

Danny Welbeck has agreed to join Chelsea from Brighton and is set to have a medical at Stamford Bridge, the Press Association understands, with Jordan Henderson also expected to sign after his Brentford contract was terminated.

Welbeck is due to fly to Hong Kong to join his new team-mates on the second leg of their pre-season tour having agreed a two-year deal.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker emerged on Monday as a surprised candidate to bolster the Blues’ forward line after scoring 13 Premier League goals in 37 matches last season, the best return of his career.

Henderson is another unlikely target who was first linked with a move earlier this week, and the situation has moved quickly.

Confirmation of his Brentford exit, one year after joining from Ajax and following a brief period playing in Saudi Arabia, came on Wednesday afternoon.

A club statement said: “Jordan Henderson has left Brentford after a mutual agreement was reached to terminate his contract.

“Jordan leaves with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone at Brentford.”

Posting on Instagram, the England international said: “I leave Brentford with a lot of gratitude for the opportunity the club gave me, and for the support and care shown to me and my family from day one.

“Coming back to the Premier League was really important to me and Brentford gave me that chance. I’ll always be thankful for that. I hope I was able to play my part in helping the team through an important period for the club.”

The two signings mark another significant step in a revised Chelsea transfer policy as they seek to recruit more established buys under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Welbeck’s arrival increases the likelihood of departures from the club with uncertainty