Chelsea close in on Robinho

Chelsea believe they are only one signing – preferably Robinho – away from Luiz Felipe Scolari's perfect squad. Michael Essien is the latest regular to extend his contract with the club, signing up for another five years. The Londoners are increasingly confident that they will be able to sign Robinho from Real Madrid in the next fortnight after another meeting in London with the Brazilian's agent Wagner Ribeiro. However, the club insist they will not pay more than £30m for the player. Once that signing is complete Chelsea are expected to offload Florent Malouda and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Malouda is expected to head to Serie A while Wright-Phillips is a target for Portsmouth. (Independent, Telegraph: 23/07/08)

transfer talk: bridge business

LAST UPDATED 10:08 AM, JULY 23, 2008