Real Madrid to beat Chelsea for Joaquin

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to table a cash-plus-player bid for Real Betis winger Joaquin.

Spanish international Joaquin is also a target for Chelsea, but has his heart set on Real Madrid if he is to move from Seville.

Chelsea offered £20 million for Joaquin in January, which again was confirmed by Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera yesterday. However, its understood Betis are happy to accept a lower offer from Madrid to maintain their good relationship.

Perez is ready to table an offer of £16 million plus attacker Valdo, who is currently on-loan with Osasuna, for Joaquin.

Lopera revealed yesterday: "In December an offer arrived for us from Chelsea for Joaquin, which was not a joke. They have called from Italy, England... and Madrid also."