Report: Chelsea target Zhang Linpeng set to move to Real Madrid this winter

Can Zhang Linpeng fill Sergio Ramos shoes in Real Madrid’s defense?

Zhang Linpeng, who was heavily linked with Chelsea during the summer transfer window, might end up moving to Real Madrid during the winter transfer window, according to Marca.

Linpeng who was dubbed as the “Chinese Sergio Ramos” was certain he would play in the Premier League this season, but it seems fate will let him apply his trade in a grander stage.

Here is what the summer the defender said to Chinese new outlet Titan24 in the summer: “I’m very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation [to join Chelsea]. I’ve worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.

“Although I’m unable to play Premier League directly, I believe [Chelsea] will have the most professional arrangements regarding my permit. I have no worries at all about the negotiations.”

While his move to Chelsea failed, he is now the target of La Liga giants Real Madrid. It is said that the player will move to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer after Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande has agreed a deal with Los Blancos.

Buying Linpeng could increase Real’s fanbase in China

While Real Madrid dominates almost every other clubs in terms of trophies, they are still behind a few in terms of fans. Thus, buying China’s most popular footballer would be the club’s tactic of increasing their fan base in the region.

Evergrande, who felt Chelsea had similar motives, added a clause in the players contract that ensured he received regular play time. At the time, an Evergrande official told Chinese news agency Xinhua, "We did receive an offer from Chelsea, [to] which we have attached great importance.

"But we will not continue to talk with Chelsea unless the English club makes a guarantee on Zhang's playing time. We learned the fact that Zhang could not play for Chelsea at the first place because he could not get a working permit in England."

The 26-year-old is a versatile defender who can play both as a full-back and a centre-back. The player has won four consecutive league titles with the Evergrande, with the first coming in 2011. He has also won the Asian Football Confederation Champions League in 2013, and the Chinese Football Association Cup in 2012.

He has also made 46 appearances for the Chinese national football team, and has scored five goals for them. His career highlight for his country though was winning the East Asian Football Championship in 2010.