Chelsea target expected to sign for Real Madrid

Chelsea target Ibrahima Konate is expected to make the switch to Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman has decided to part ways with Liverpool when his contract expires on June 30. He has been permitted to negotiate with interested clubs and it recently emerged that Chelsea have made contact with his camp.

However, the centre-back has already made up his mind to join Los Blancos. A Bosman move will formally materialise once Florentino Perez is re-elected as Madrid's president. It appears only a formality as of now.

Chelsea have suffered a setback with Konate's decision to move to the Spanish La Liga and may need to evaluate alternatives to reinforce the heart of their defence ahead of next season.

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has also been linked with the Blues in recent days. Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso previously managed him at the Bundesliga heavyweights.