Real Madrid are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

Chelsea have been keen on signing for Slonina for some time and came close to sealing a deal before being hit with sanctions in March, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Now the transfer guru reports Real's interest in the shot-stopper, revealing the Spanish giants will soon submit an official proposal.

Slonina is reportedly regarded as a player for the future and is unlikely to rival Thibaut Courtois for his first-team place right away given the Belgian's Champions League heroics.

But the American could decide against a move to the Bernabeu with Bayern Munich also said to be interested.