Real director Pedrag Mijatovic is said to have had an 18 million euro (24.5 million dollar) offer accepted for the 26-year-old central defender, who can also play at full-back or in midfield.

According to reports, the transfer could be completed later on Tuesday.

Inter Milan, who are also interested in signing Chivu, said they refused to be dragged into a bidding war for the Romanian captain.

"Inter will not get involved in an auction for Chivu," Inter president Massimo Moratti said on Tuesday.

Chivu played for Romanian clubs CSM Resita and FC Universitatea Craiova before joining Dutch side Ajax in 1999. He spent four years in Holland, during which time he helped Ajax reach the quarterfinals of the Champions league in the 2002-03 season.

A dead-ball specialist, Chivu joined Roma in the summer of 2003.

The versatile Romanian helped Roma finish second in Serie A last season, as well as reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.