Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign long-term Liverpool target Daniel Alves.

Sevilla's highly-rated Brazilian wing-back has been a target for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for some time, but now Chelsea are said to be confident of sealing a deal despite claims in the Spanish press that Real Madrid will offer cash plus Julio Baptista, a former Sevilla player, in order to sweeten the deal.

The Sun claims Blues academy director Frank Arnesen met with Alves' agent at the Hilton hotel in London last Friday to discuss a potential move and that the Blues will offer Paulo Ferreira or Khalid Boulahrouz in exchange.

However, Spanish daily AS alleges that the Blues have offered £16.25million.

Alves first shot to prominence in Sevilla's march to the UEFA Cup in 2006 when they defeated Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final and was widely tipped for a summer move to Anfield, but the two clubs could not agree a fee and the move collapsed.

The 24 year-old, who is contracted to the Spanish club until 2012, has won five caps for his country but possesses Spanish citizenship, meaning he can move to a team in any EU country without requiring a work permit.