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Real join Atleti in battle for Cech

Real Madrid could be about to join cross-city rivals Atletico in the battle for Chelsea’s out-of-favour goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is understood to want Manchester United’s David de Gea to replace veteran Iker Casillas, who has been jeered by a section of fans this season after some below par performances.

However, the Italian believes it would be easier to tempt Cech to the Santiago Bernabeu given United are set to dangle a lucrative new deal in front of former Atleti stopper De Gea.

Czech Republic international Cech is no stranger to Ancelotti, having worked with him in his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, and the player is understood to be open to a new challenge in La Liga.

Cech, 32, has made no secret of the fact he would prefer a move away from London if he cannot regain his place from Thibaut Courtois.

“I think they know me well enough at the club to know the situation is not how I’d imagine it to be, although I haven’t spoken to anyone,” he told Czech media while on international duty this week.

“There is no time for me to sit on the bench and not play. If the situation doesn’t improve I will have to find a solution.”

Nonetheless, Madrid will not have it all their own way in their pursuit of Cech. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is keen to bring him to the Spanish capital, while Roma and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.

Tags Ancelotti Chelsea Paris Saint-Germain Petr Cech Roma
La Liga - Club News