Maicon on his way

Chelsea are closing in a deal to sign Inter Milan right-back Douglas Maicon who is ready for a move away from Italy after seven years.



The Brazilian international has also been attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid but reports have emerged suggesting the Blues have won the chase for his signature.



Inter have agreed to let him leave San Siro on a free transfer, even though he still has a year left to run on his existing contract, following talks with the 30-year-old, although the terms of the agreement bar him from moving to another Italian side.



His wage demands won't be small but new Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo believes it will be money well spent to secure the services of an experienced defender in a problem position for the Champions League holders.



Maicon will be hoping to put his injury problems behind at Stamford Bridge after a fitness plagued season last term at Inter which restricted the usually free-scoring full-back to just two goals from 24 appearances.