Chelsea deny record Kaka bid but want Robinho
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
GUANGZHOU, China, July 21 (AFP): Chelsea Monday denied tabling a sensational world-record offer for AC Milan's Kaka as the transfer rumour mill went into overdrive at the start of their Asian tour.
Chief executive Peter Kenyon dismissed reports of a 150 million euro (238 million dollar) bid for the Brazilian World Player of the Year and said negotiations with the Italian club had stalled.
"There was no offer made. I have read the same articles. They have made it clear that he is not for sale and we will make it clear we have not made an offer," Kenyon said after arriving in southern China.
"There is no reason to negotiate over something they don't want to do and we have not made an offer."
But Kenyon said Chelsea were still talking to Real Madrid about striker Robinho, who is reportedly being off-loaded as the Spanish giants woo Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
British media reported Chelsea have offered 25 million pounds (49.8 million US) for the 24-year-old Brazilian.
"It is well noted we have shown interest. We have had discussions with Madrid over it and they are ongoing. The window is still open and we are still talking to Madrid," Kenyon said.
Transfer speculation threatened to overshadow the start of the tour, which also includes trips to Macau and Malaysia before heading to Russia.
New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari scotched renewed doubts over Didier Drogba's future after the striker missed the trip through injury, making him the only high-profile absentee.
"Didier is injured. The doctor and our medical staff made a plan to have him training and playing in maybe three or four weeks," Scolari said. "But at this moment it's impossible for Didier to come with us."
However Scolari, whose first match in charge is against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Wednesday, was boosted by the presence of key midfielder Frank Lampard despite persistent interest from Inter Milan.
Chief executive Peter Kenyon dismissed reports of a 150 million euro (238 million dollar) bid for the Brazilian World Player of the Year and said negotiations with the Italian club had stalled.
"There was no offer made. I have read the same articles. They have made it clear that he is not for sale and we will make it clear we have not made an offer," Kenyon said after arriving in southern China.
"There is no reason to negotiate over something they don't want to do and we have not made an offer."
But Kenyon said Chelsea were still talking to Real Madrid about striker Robinho, who is reportedly being off-loaded as the Spanish giants woo Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
British media reported Chelsea have offered 25 million pounds (49.8 million US) for the 24-year-old Brazilian.
"It is well noted we have shown interest. We have had discussions with Madrid over it and they are ongoing. The window is still open and we are still talking to Madrid," Kenyon said.
Transfer speculation threatened to overshadow the start of the tour, which also includes trips to Macau and Malaysia before heading to Russia.
New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari scotched renewed doubts over Didier Drogba's future after the striker missed the trip through injury, making him the only high-profile absentee.
"Didier is injured. The doctor and our medical staff made a plan to have him training and playing in maybe three or four weeks," Scolari said. "But at this moment it's impossible for Didier to come with us."
However Scolari, whose first match in charge is against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Wednesday, was boosted by the presence of key midfielder Frank Lampard despite persistent interest from Inter Milan.