Maicon rejects Paris Saint-Germain in hope of Real Madrid switch

Inter right-back Maicon has turned down a move to Paris Saint-Germain, as he eyes a reunion with former coach Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

 The 31-year-old is out of favour at the Nerazzurri, and as a result has been the subject of much speculation over the past few weeks, with the likes of PSG, Chelsea and Madrid rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.

 The Brazilian's agent confirmed that his client feels "It is time to move on", and the player has not been included in the San Siro club's Europa League squad for their qualifying tie with Hajduk Split.

 Reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti's PSG put in a bid of around €8-10 million for the Brazil international, an offer that would have been readily accepted by Massimo Moratti as he looks to fund an offer for Sao Paulo youngster Lucas Moura.

 But Maicon is not keen on a move to the Ligue 1 side, and instead would prefer a switch to La Liga champions Madrid, or Champions League winners Chelsea.

 His contract expires at the end of next season and there has been little movement from the San Siro side in offering the player an extension.

 Maicon, who represented Monaco for two seasons before moving to the Italian giants in 2006, may even extend his contract in Lombardy, but that option, according to the reports, remains very much unlikely.

 Meanwhile, Moratti confirmed on Monday that Inter had pulled out of the race for Lucas Moura.

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Maicon close to sealing £6million Chelsea switch

Chelsea are closing in on a £6 million deal for Inter Milan full-back Maicon, with the Brazilian's agent due in London later this week for talks.

 The Blues have made signing a new right-back a key priority this summer after veteran defender Paulo Ferreira was placed on the transfer list, and compatriot Jose Bosingwa was released at the end of his contract.

 Manager Roberto Di Matteo had drawn up a four-man shortlist of potential recruits, including Dortmund star Lukasz Piszczek, Ajax's Gregory van der Wiel, Lille's Mathieu Debuchy and Manchester United youngster Rafael da Silva.

 However, after being priced out of a move for the quintet, Di Matteo has now moved for Brazil international Maicon, who has been told he can quit Inter Milan this summer for a small fee.

 The 30-year-old has long been regarded as one of the best full-backs in European football, and is now expected to seal a move to West London in the next fortnight after Chelsea agreed a £6 million fee with Inter.

 Maicon's agent is due in England later this week to thrash out the formalities, after the player rejected interest from long-term admirers Real Madrid.

 Chelsea are due to hand Maicon a three-year-deal, with wages of around £80,000-a-week.

 Elsewhere, Chelsea are also closing in on Southampton teenager Luke Shaw, after lodging a £4 million bid for the England Under-17 international last night.

 Shaw, a talented and technical left-back who can also play in midfield, has previously been tracked by Arsenal.

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