Chelsea close in on Geremi

English Premiership side Chelsea are close to taking Real Madrid and Cameroon right-back Geremi Fotso to Stamford Bridge for the new season.

According to reports from Spain on Wednesday, a difference of $US 1million is stopping the transfer from going ahead.

The Blues have put in a bid of $US 10.6million but Real are holding out for $US11.6 million for the Cameroon international.

Chelsea officials are due to fly to Madrid at some point over the next week to negotiate a figure with Real for the player.

Geremi's exit would see Michel Salgado take over duties at right-back for Real, although the club may be prompted to enlist one of the defenders on their shopping list, such as Inter Milan's Javier Zanetti or Deportivo's Manuel Pablo.