Report: Chelsea close in on Maicon
Inter Milan are close to agreeing a deal for the sale of Maicon to UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea, according to reports.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Spanish newspaper Marca claims that Chelsea have pipped Real Madrid in the race to for the Brazil right-back's signature.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho worked with Maicon during his days with Inter and wanted to bring the defender to the Bernabeu but the San Siro outfit reportedly prefer Chelsea's valuation of the player.
Last week, Inter president Massimo Moratti revealed that his club will not make any further signings until they have sold some of their players.
Argentina striker Rodrigo Palacio is the only acquisition made by the Nerazzurri so far this summer, the Argentinian having joined from Genoa.
"There is nothing to say with regards to our transfer market," he told La Repubblica.
"We first have to sell some players."
Maicon has one year left on his contract.
Marca also reported that Madrid had earlier approached Inter to enquire about the player's situation, but things went no further leaving the door open for the Blues to emerge as the leading contender to sign Maicon.