Real Madrid Challenge Inter For Chelsea Defender Ricardo Carvalho

Real Madrid are considering entering the race for Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho, who is close to joining Inter, according to Tuttosport.

Inter director Marco Branca is reportedly in London trying to secure the services of the defender and Deco from the Blues, but los Blancos may thwart the deal after having failed to lure Maicon from the Nerazzurri.

After securing the services of Raul Albiol for Valencia, the Primera Division giants see the Portuguese as another good addition to their back-line, meaning Sergio Ramos would remain in the right-back position, while Carvalho would pair up with national team-mate Pepe in the centre, if he were to arrive.

It remains to be seen if the Merengues will make a bid in time to stop the Nerazzurri from acquiring the defender.

Carvalho spent a large portion of last season out with injury and has admitted he is open to offers after being critical of the medical care he was given by the English club. At Inter, he would reunite with his former coach Jose Mourinho.