Real Madrid are ready to push through a swap offer for Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho. It was revealed yesterday how Real president Florentino Perez saw an offer of Ruud van Nistelrooy for Carvalho rejected by Chelsea in the summer.

Now, this morning Sport says Perez is keen to revive the bid, knowing that Van Nistelrooy would welcome a move to Stamford Bridge in January.

Real want Carvalho as a replacement for injured centre-half Pepe, while Chelsea would be interested in Van Nistelrooy as cover for Didier Drogba, who will be off for the African Nations Cup in the New Year.

With Chelsea also allowing Franco di Santo to remain on-loan at Blackburn, it suggests Blues are making room for a new centre-forward arrival.