Centre of attention: Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho
lines up against Everton
Real
Madrid are ready to launch a January
bid for Chelsea
defender Ricardo Carvalho. The Spanish giants are desperate
to strengthen after being rocked by injury to defender Pepe, who
faces six months out with ruptured ligament in his right
knee.
Madrid would be willing to offer Ruud van Nistelrooy in
part-exchange, allowing the former Manchester
United striker to provide cover at Stamford Bridge while
Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on international duty at the
Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Bernabeu president Florentino Perez is an admirer of
Carvalho and tried to sign him from Porto in 2004 before Chelsea
blew them out of the water with a bid close to £20million.
The 31-year-old was prepared to leave Chelsea in the summer
after a disappointing injury-interrupted season, but he has since
established himself as John Terry's first-choice central defensive
partner under Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Madrid are prepared to test the water after sporting
director Jorge Valdano admitted the club were looking at potential
signings.
'We appreciate that we have an opportunity to expand our staff
in January in order to make the squad more comfortable and we will
discuss this,' he said.
'We cannot rule it out but first we will have to look at the
market. 'Pepe is irreplaceable. We have the assurance that in him
we have a world class player and there is no one like him.'
Long lay-off: Pepe injured his knee against
Valencia
The Spaniards have also tracked Everton's
18-year-old utility man Jack Rodwell, but they are likely to plump
for a more experienced defender this winter.
Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic has also been linked, while
Arsenal's
Gael Clichy is another on the radar if Madrid decide to strengthen
at full back rather than centrally.
