Reports yesterday suggested that Milan, who have just signed Ronaldinho from Barcelona, were prepared to accept a bid from Chelsea for his much-lauded compatriot, smashing the record of £46m Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. But a senior Milan source poured scorn on Chelsea's reported interest in the world's most sought-after playmaker. "The president of our club is Silvio Berlusconi, prime minister of Italy," he told The Sunday Telegraph
"As one of the richest people in Europe, although perhaps not on a par with Roman Abramovich, he is not going to sell his main asset. I certainly do not expect Kaka, whose contract runs until 2012, to say he needs to learn English, as happened with Andrei Shevchenko." Chelsea are reported as having held advanced discussions about Kaka but Milan insist this is untrue.
According to Milan, no firm bid has been made while the player has given no intention of his desire to leave the San Siro even though they will not be playing in the Champions League this season. "We told Chelsea that there is no chance to do any kind of deal," said the source. "It's people in between the two clubs who want a deal to happen."
Elsewhere, Chelsea's links to another Brazilian gathered further momentum after Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribiero, claimed the club have proposed a "firm offer" of £31.75 million to secure the Real Madrid player's services.
Inter Milan will turn to Liverpool's Xabi Alonso should they miss out on Frank Lampard, suggest reports in Italy.
Spanish media, meanwhile, have linked Barcelona with a part-exchange approach for Didier Drogba, involving unsettled striker Samuel Eto'o.
Steven Gerrard has returned early from Liverpool's pre-season camp in Switzerland with a slight groin injury which will sideline him for 10 days. Arsenal have completed their third signing this summer, that of 17-year-old French midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Sunderland's hopes of signing Pascal Chimbonda from Tottenham have been enhanced by the player. Chimbonda said: "The opportunity excites me."
Steed Malbranque and Teemu Tainio are also set to hold talks with manager Roy Keane, but Younes Kaboul would prefer a move to Portsmouth, after Harry Redknapp declared his interest in the defender. Fulham have sold Dejan Stefanovic and sent youngster Elliot Omozusi on loan to Norwich.
Blackburn want to sign MK Dons captain Keith Andrews, according to Paul Ince's successor at the club, Roberto Di Matteo. Ince is keen to revive former ties with the midfielder. Aston Villa have abandoned their attempt to sign David Bentley after Blackburn rejected a £10?million bid. Newcastle winger James Milner is a £5 million alternative, however.
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