Chelsea look set to to miss out on Roma defender Walter Samuel after Real Madrid reportedly matched the Premiership club’s £15m offer for the Argentinian.
Roma’s financial plight means they are forced to sell some of their more valuable assets and Samuel is one player expected to leave this summer.
Samuel, who earlier in the season, admitted he fancied a crack at the Premiership, has had a change of heart since being informed of Madrid’s interest.
Roma admit they have received several offers for Samuel.
“We are currently considering more than one offer,” said Roma’s director of sport Franco Baldini.
“There are contrasting interests but we will have the last word on the move.”