Chelsea target Inter Milan's Maicon

22 May 2009 09:40
According to the Daily Star, Carlo Ancelotti, the man tipped to replace Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge, has pinpointed the Brazilian defender as one of his primary targets, once he has been unveiled as the new Chelsea manager. Ancelotti, currently with AC Milan, is understood to have handed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich a transfer wish list, which is headed by 27-year-old Maicon. The player reportedly tried to join Manchester United from Cruzeiro back in 2004, but was refused a work permit and instead joined French club Monaco. There, his fine form attracted the interest of Europe's biggest clubs and in 2006 Inter beat off competition to land the Brazil international. Internazionale, with Maicon playing a key role, have just won their fourth Serie A title in a row and it will be difficult for Chelsea to persuade the player - who is under contract until 2013 - to leave a winning team. However, Chelsea are in need of reinforcements at right-back, with £16m signing Jose Bosingwa still to convince he is the long-term solution, and the Star suggests Inter would be willing to sell for the right price, and have a ready-made replacement in Davide Santon.

Source: Telegraph