Real Madrid join Juventus in chase for Chelsea midfielder - report

According to the London Evening Standard, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane wants to add Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic to his squad this summer. Meanwhile, club president Florentino Pérez prefers Newcastle United's Moussa Sissoko.

Even though head coach Antonio Conte had made it clear that he wishes to retain Matic's services at Chelsea, and Matic reciprocated the love with positive comments as well, once the Silly Season train is moving, there is no stopping it.  Full speed ahead!  Juventus, who were first to light the coals, also remain interested in Matic, pending the seemingly neverending conclusion to the Pogba deal with Manchester United.

Madrid are apparently willing to spend up to £34 million on either Matic or Sissoko, but Newcastle claim that they won't sell Sissoko for less than £36 million.  Would Chelsea do business at £34 million?  The Spanish giants are looking to complete a potential transfer next week, in time for their first game of the new season against Real Sociedad on August 21.

The surge of rumours linking Matic to a move elsewhere reeks of agent tactics.  The 28-year-old midfielder is on the £70,000 per week contract that he signed upon his return to Stamford Bridge in January 2014; with three years left on it, it will soon be time to make a decision.