Chelsea face battle to land Bucharest defender

Chelsea will have to fight off competition from AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg and Real Madrid to land Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches, according to the player's agent.

talkSPORT revealed yesterday that Milan had upped their interest in the Romania international as they seek to bolster their defence.

Speaking to Romanian website Dolce Sport, the 22-year-old's representative Ioan Becali confirmed Milan's interest, before revealing any clubs looking to prise him away from Steaua would have to pay an instalment this winter before completing the deal next summer.

"Milan scouts are convinced that he is a good player, and they are likely to come back to see him," said Becali.

"The player is also liked by Zenit and Real Madrid. Whoever wants to take him must put down an instalment during the winter and pay the remainder next summer."