Chelsea lead race for Real Madrid striker

Premier League leaders Chelsea are reportedly deemed favourites to secure the services of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata in the summer.

The Spain international had had a frustrating spell in the Spanish capital with manager Zinedine Zidane reluctant to play him ahead of Karim Benzema for the centre-forward spot.

According to The Sun, via TMW, the Blues would be willing to cough up a club-record £59m fee to sign Morata, who is keen on pursuing a fresh challenge overseas next term.

Morata has made just 10 league starts over the course of the campaign, but he has nevertheless been successful after having scored 13 goals in the Spanish La Liga.

The 24-year-old's partner has already begun house hunting in west London, and it is suggested that the player will snub advances from their rivals in order to realise his move to Stamford Bridge.

Morata's arrival is likely to have an effect on the future of Diego Costa, who is being heavily tipped for a move to China in the summer.

Morata rejoined the European champions from Serie A holders Juventus last summer after they managed to activate the £25m buy-back option on his existing deal.