Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is looking to reshape the Chelsea squad. Reuters

Chelsea target Edinson Cavani has set his mind on a move to Real Madrid, according to the in-demand Napoli striker’s father. Cavani featured highly on Jose Mourinho’s wish list as the new Chelsea boss seeks a top class central striker to add to his squad this summer. But, despite Cavani making positive comments about the idea of a possible move to Chelsea or fellow-suitors Manchester City, his father has claimed that it is the Spanish capital where the 26-year-old sees his future.

"Cavani's intention is to play for Madrid," Luis Cavani said, according to Sky Sports. "He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through. He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli."

And Cavani Sr. also revealed that talks could soon take place. "There has been contact with Real Madrid's lawyers and now we are waiting for the two clubs to meet," he added. "I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid? It's not just up to Edi. They are talking about 65 million euros and Napoli won't negotiate for any less."

Stories in Italy this week have claimed that Chelsea had already had bids rejected for the Uruguayan, the last of which being for €50 million (£42.5m). But the Daily Telegraph reports that Chelsea have denied this and, furthermore, are not prepared to enter a bidding war for Cavani. Indeed, apparently other alternatives are now taking priority with Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski now firmly in their list of targets.

There is also fierce competition for the Poland international, but Dortmund have insisted that Lewandowski will not be able to make his favored move to Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old could run down the final year of his contract, but Dortmund could well seek to cash in on him to a foreign club. Although Manchester United have been linked to the player for the past year, the Telegraph believes that their interest has waned, potentially leaving the door open for Chelsea to make their move.

There have also been reports that Mourinho is keen on highly rated Schalke attacking midfielder Julian Draxler. The 19-year-old only recently signed a new contract with the Bundesliga side, but that does not appear to be deterring Chelsea’s interest. And the player has revealed that he would be tempted by a club of Chelsea’s stature.

"Which boy doesn't dream about playing for Real, Barca, Chelsea or Manchester United?” he said, according to Goal.com. “That's nothing to be ashamed of.”

A move still appears some way off with Schalke sure to have no intention of parting with one of the rising stars of the German and European game. However, Draxler’s agent has stated that Schalke would be powerless to stop the player leaving if his, admittedly pricey, release clause is met. “The player will cost €45.5 million (£38.7m) and the player must agree,” Roger Wittmann told Bild. “These are the prerequisites for a transfer.”

Mourinho, though, may have to forget about bringing about an immediate reunion with Luka Modric. The Chelsea boss took the former Tottenham midfielder to Real Madrid last summer, but, after a difficult first season in Spain, the Croatian has been linked with a return to the Premier League. Modric, though, has insisted that he intends on remaining with Madrid.

“I have no doubt,” he told Marca when asked if he’d be staying with the club. “I want to stay with the best club in the world. For me it is a privilege to be here. I want to show a lot more in the future and I don’t consider anything else than remaining with Los Blancos next season.”

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