According to reports on Football Italia, Chelsea are the new leaders in the race to sign £26.5m-rated Real Madrid full-back Danilo after Juventus turned their attentions to Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa, according to Sport Mediaset.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Serie A champions had been lining up a move for the Real right-back, but now Sport Mediaset say they are instead closing in on a move for Bayern’s Douglas Costa.

Football Italia says that has now left the Blues in pole position to sign the €30m-rated (apparoximately £26.5m) 25-year-old, as Antonio Conte looks to provide Victor Moses with some more competition in the right wing-back role.

How did Danilo do last season?

The right-back has struggled to become a regular in the Real side in the two years he has been with the Spanish giants, but he has still made a good number of appearances because of the amount of games the club has throughout every campaign.

The 25-year-old made 25 outings in all competitions last term, scoring one goal and providing a further three assists.

The Brazilian full-back is also able to play on the left-hand side too, and that is something that may appeal to Conte as he also looks for competition for Marcos Alonso on that flank.

Football Soccer - Real Madrid v Sevilla - Spanish Liga Santander - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - 14/5/17Real Madrid’s Danilo is shown a yellow card by referee Alberto MallencoReuters / Sergio Perez

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

While he has struggled to establish himself as Real Madrid’s first-choice right-back ahead of Dani Carvajal, Danilo has certainly shown Zinedine Zidane that he is good enough to feature on quite a regular basis for the club.

The Brazilian is especially effective from a defensive point of view – which will please Conte – having made 42 clearances and 37 interceptions in 17 La Liga appearances last season, while he also loves a tackle.

Would he start ahead of Moses?

It’s difficult to say.

The Nigerian did brilliantly well last year as Chelsea won the Premier League title and Danilo could take a little time to get used to the English game if he did move to Stamford Bridge, meaning he wouldn’t be an instant starter.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is no doubt that Danilo would be a very useful and versatile addition for Chelsea as Conte looks to provide cover and competition for Alonso and Moses, and the Blues are in pole position to bring the 25-year-old to the Premier League.

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