Jose Mourinho's squad are heading out to Los Angeles after confirming that a fee had been agreed with the French champions leaving just a medical and agreement on personal terms to seal the deal.

"Chelsea can confirm it has agreed a fee with Olympique Lyonnais for the transfer of Florent Malouda," Chelsea announced in a statement.

The fee is undisclosed but Malouda has been valued at upwards of 13million pounds (20million euros) in the French media since impressing for his country at the World Cup last year and featuring in the Champions League for Lyon.

Malouda, 27, was signed by Lyon in 2003 from Guingamp for 4.5m euros having begun his playing career with Chateauroux in 1996. Last season he scored 10 goals as Lyon won the title for the sixth straight time.

He won the first of his 30 international caps in November 2004 and was part of Raymond Domenech's side that made it through to last year's World Cup final against Italy.

Chelsea's new recruit won the French championship four times with Lyon and was voted the best player in the French first division in 2006-07.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed after his team's friendly with Lille last night that an agreement had been reached.

A statement on Lyon's official website added: "The transfer will only be made official after confirmation from the medical."

There was less good news for Chelsea fans on the fitness of German midfielder Michael Ballack who is set to miss the pre-season tour of the United States after ankle surgery.

Ballack, 30, has not been ruled out of the entire tour but will not be with the squad for the first week following his operation in Europe last week.

"A decision will be taken later, depending on progress, about whether he will join the squad for the latter part of the tour," said Chelsea in a statement.

Malouda is Chelsea's latest summer purchase following Steve Sidwell, Claudio Pizarro and Tal Ben Haim.

Alex is tipped to join from PSV Eindhoven, and chief executive Peter Kenyon has stressed that Malouda's arrival does not compromise Arjen Robben's position at Stamford Bridge.

There are also hopes of Frank Lampard and John Terry committing their long-term futures to the club by signing new contracts.