A leading bookmaker has suspended bets on Karim Benzema joining Chelsea, as the Premier League side desperately attempt to strengthen up top.
Chelsea have already been linked with Gonzalo Higuain and Edinson Cavani this month, among others, with Maurizio Sarri looking to bring in a replacement for in ineffective Alvaro Morata.
Benzema, who has spent the past decade at the Bernabeu, is the latest name to be touted as a January target for the Blues.
The Frenchman has scored a combined 10 goals in La Liga and the Champions League this season, but Los Blancos are said to be prepared to cash in as they are keen to overhaul their squad ahead of 2019-20.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea are now looking to complete a deal for the 31-year-old, with Ladbrokes suspending the betting on Benzema being on the move to Stamford Bridge in the next few weeks.
Madrid are fifth in the Spanish top flight after winning just half of their opening 18 games.
Daniel Lewis
