Chelsea remain favourites for Inter Milan fullback Douglas Maicon.

Sportitalia says Maicon could sign for Chelsea as soon as this week with his Confederations Cup commitments now over.

Chelsea are expected to negotiate a deal for Maicon separately with Inter from the sale of Portuguese pair Deco and Ricardo Carvalho.

Inter will seek £25 million for the Brazil international and director Lele Oriali is due in London today.