Real Madrid ready to bid for Chelsea's Lampard

Real Madrid have entered the race for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Aware of a contract dispute between Lampard and the London club, Real president Florentino Perez has given the green light to bid for the England international.

The Sun says Lampard has a long-term girlfriend Elen from Barcelona and has already started learning Spanish.

His dream destination would be to follow England skipper David Beckham to Real, who have contacted Lampard's agent Steve Kutner asking to be kept informed of his situation.

Perez's advisors argue that Beckham could be persuaded to stay in Spain for another season if another Englishman was signed.