Malouda Could Choose Madrid Over Chelsea
Florent Malouda would be prepared to reject an offer from Chelsea if Real Madrid were to make an offer for him, according to Marca.
The French international is set to leave Olympique Lyonnais this summer and has been quoted in England as stating that he is keen to move to Stamford Bridge.
Madrid-biased Marca though believe that now that los Merengues have entered the fray, he has set his sights on a move to the Bernabéu and is waiting for something official to materialise.
The Spanish giants have sent sporting director, Miguel Ángel Portugal to France to speak to Malouda's representatives and are staying in constant contact on the telephone.
Malouda reportedly told Portugal that he would turn down any offer from Chelsea if Madrid made a concrete bid and nis now waiting for some movement.
A new left-sided midfielder has become a priority for the Spanish champions and president Ramón Calderón has confirmed that the choice has boiled down to two players.
While the interest in Malouda has only just surfaced, Madrid have been linked with a move for Chelsea' Arjen Robben, who is also keen to move.
"We like Robben and Malouda," Calderón said.
"But they play in the same position and we will only sign one of them."
Chelsea's position was weakened at the start of the week after Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas, claimed that felt the Blues were not committed to tying up the deal.
"I am not sure Chelsea have the desire or the means to call out to Florent Malouda," he explained.
"Peter Kenyon said to Flo he was leaving for Moscow to meet the Roman Abramovich. Sometimes, things happen quickly.
"But I don't feel these people really want to tie up this deal."
goal.com