City snatch Robinho from under Abramovich’s nose

Signs of a seismic shift in the power balance of English football as Manchester City, newly acquired by a Dubai consortium, have foiled Chelsea in their bid to bring Brazilian striker Robinho to Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid accepted City's shock British record bid of £34m for the 24-year-old, who will earn €6m per year after tax. Real president Ramon Calderon told Spanish TV, "We have agreed to sell [Robinho] for human reasons, and for footballing reasons and for an important quantity of money." (Daily Telegraph: 02/09/08)

TRANSFER TALK: DONE DEAL

FIRST POSTED SEPTEMBER 2, 2008