Joaquin zu Chelsea????

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Blues enter Joaquin race

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Real Betis winger Joaquin, according to the player's father who also acts as his agent.

The Spain international winger has been a long-term target of Manchester United but he is now on Chelsea's wanted list.

Real Madrid are thought to be favourites to land the flying 22-year-old, but billionaire owner Roman Abramovich and Peter Kenyon are thought to have met with Betis chief Manuel Ruiz de Lopera to discuss a deal.

Although Chelsea could easily afford to finance a swoop for Joaquin his father, Aurelio Sanchez, says that his son already has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.

"We know about Chelsea, but they would first have to come to an agreement with Betis. It will not be easy," said Sanchez.

"I do not see my son in London, as it is too cold. But if there is no other alternative - it could happen.

"The truth is that he has his heart set on Madrid, it excites him more."

Although Real Madrid and Chelsea are vying for his signature, Betis are in no hurry to sell him, and Lopera will only agree on a deal that is right for the club.

For his part, Joaquin is not desperate to leave Seville and another of his representatives, Higinio Alonso, says that his client is not actively seeking a move.

"We are not in any hurry, we are not lunatics seeking an exit for the player, neither are we living with the obsession of seeing Joaquin leave Betis," said Alonso.

"Joaquin is happy with his present club. He has a contract there until 2010, and there is no obsession to move."

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