Real Madrid beat Chelsea for Roma's Samuel

Real Madrid have beaten Chelsea to sign AS Roma defender Walter Samuel.

"Real Madrid and Samuel have reached an agreement in relation to the player's transfer that will come into effect as of 1 July," said Real's website. "The player has agreed to sign a contract with Real for five seasons."

Real will pay Roma around £15 million for the Argentina international.

Chelsea were offering £17 million for the defender, but Samuel was insistent that he be sold to Real Madrid.