Chelsea move closer to Maicon as Real Madrid pull out

Chelsea have moved one step closer to securing Brazilian full-back Maicon, as Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Real Madrid are not intrested in the player.

According the Spanish daily, 30-year-old Maicon is seen as too lavish an expense for a player of his age, given the €8 million transfer fee and €5 million-a-year wages required.

Real Madrid are believed to be in the hunt for a right-back, but will look to a yonger player to fill the position for the coming years.

Chelsea, though, look set to continue their pursuit of the full-back as they look to add to their defensive depth.

The Blues had been linked with Manchester United full-back Rafael earlier in the summer, but after a swift rebuttal, they have fixed their attentions firmly on Inter Milan's wantaway international Maicon.