Real Madrid are to make a £20m bid for Chelsea midfielder Ramires, the Express understands.

The Spanish giants have been long time admirers of the Brazil international, and had an enquiry for the player rejected out of hand during the summer.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti took the 26 year to Stamford Bridge while he was in charge of the Blues, and is keen to add him to an already overcrowded batch of midfielders at the Bernabeu.

Should the move take place, it may pave the way for Jose Mourinho to bring Xabi Alonso to the Bridge, with and Manchester United target Sami Khedira likely to be offloaded.

Meanwhile, the Express also claim that the Blues will attempt to intercept Bayern Munich’s move for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

With Demba Ba looking increasingly likely to move on in January, the club will be on the lookout for a new forward and Mourinho has reportedly identified Poland international Lewandowski as his top transfer target.

The 25 year old looked certain to secure a move to the European Champions on a free transfer at the end of the season, but a fee as little as £7m could be enough to land him when the transfer window reopens.