Real Madrid look to have dealt Chelsea yet another transfer blow after they appear to have beaten the Blues to the signing of goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
Goalkeeper Slonina, 18, currently plays for MLS side Chicago Fire, but has drawn interest from a number of English clubs after impressing in the MLS so far this season.
But the young goalkeeper's agent has reiterated his intentions to sign for Real, who have already had one bid rejected, but are expected to table a second, more financially appealing bid.
Slonina's agent Jaime Garcia said: 'It should be an honour for Chicago, and the MLS, to have Real Madrid take notice in one of their players.
'We are hoping Chicago can find an agreement with Real Madrid to realise Gabriel’s dream of playing for this club.
'With respect to other clubs and other offers, we've received many and at the moment we are gracious to those clubs but you cannot say no to Real Madrid.'
USA youth international Slonina has had a strong start to the MLS season, keeping five clean sheets in 14 league matches, which has alerted scouts from a number of clubs.
The young goalkeeper was called up by Poland for their UEFA Nations League fixtures in May, but rejected the call up to pledge allegiance to USA.
The other clubs reportedly interested are Southampton, Wolves and he is likely to be a signing for the future wherever he goes and is not expected to compete with Thibaut Courtois for a starting place.
This comes only days after Blues star defender Antonio Rudiger agreed to join European Champions Real, having rejected offers of a contract extension from the west London side.
The German defender said: 'I'm proud to announce that I'll be joining Real Madrid. I'm super excited for all the challenges ahead and can't wait to play my first games for this huge club.'
It is reported the 29-year-old has signed a four-year deal at the Bernabeu until the summer of 2026, worth around £315,000-per-week.
Rudiger won the Champions League in the 2020/21 seasoon having been brought back into the side by Thomas Tuchel following the sacking of Frank Lampard.
In five years at Stamford Bridge, the Germany international also won the FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
He joined the Blues from Roma for £29m in 2017 when the west London club were managed by current Tottenham boss Antonio Conte.