Chelsea transfer news: Diego Lopez on the verge of signing for Blues as former Real Madrid keeper nears switch

CHELSEA are believed to be close to signing veteran goalkeeper Diego Lopez from AC Milan. 

The former Real Madrid stopper looks likely to team up with the Blues once Asmir Begovic leaves the club as he is understood to be concerned at the lack of first team football.

Lopez would be an experienced back-up to Thibaut Courtois who displaced Petr Cech as Chelsea No1.

Begovic is a healthy competitor for the top spot but Chelsea only see him as back-up and would likely only feature in the cups.

Lopez, 34, is a strong character to come in and would be a big presence in the dressing room to help push Courtois which Chelsea have been lacking since Cech's departure to Arsenal last summer.

Everton have expressed an interest in Begovic but now Joe Hart looks set to leave Manchester City, their immediate attention has turned to him.

Since the Bosnian stopper left Stoke, Jack Butland has become first-choice keeper and was putting in some very strong performances before getting injured with England.

It's unlikely a return back to the Potters is on the cards as Mark Hughes won't want to halt the young England stopper's progress.