Reports in Italy have claimed that Chelsea will look to edge out Real Madrid for the services of Inter Milan full-back Maicon by making a £6.4m offer later this week.
The 30-year-old, who has 12 months remaining on his current contract, has been widely tipped to end his six-year stay at the San Siro this summer.
That news is said to have alerted the Blues and Madrid, both of whom are looking to boost their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Having learned of the competition from the Spanish champions, new Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is to be eager to test Inter's resolve with a bid in the near future, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Maicon joined Inter in 2006 from French side Monaco.
