Chelsea are confident of seeing off interest from Real Madrid to win the race for Corinthians starlet Lulinha.

The Independent says agent, Wagner Ribeiro, flew to London to hold talks with Frank Arnesen, Chelsea's chief scout and head of youth development, who has been pushing for a deal to be completed as quickly as possible to sign the 17-year-old. Lulinha, who plays as an attacking midfielder or a "second" striker, has been told he can leave his club, Corinthians, if the asking price is met.

Chelsea sent scouts to watch him play against Flamengo last Wednesday and, again, in the 2-2 draw with Atletico Paranaense last weekend.

Ribeiro, whose clients include Robinho, is acutely aware of Chelsea's enthusiasm and has combined a trip to hold talks with other European clubs with a visit to Stamford Bridge yesterday. He has also been in Spain to meet Real Madrid.