Barca to rob Chelsea? - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Barca to rob Chelsea?

Barcelona could be set to table a shock bid for Chelsea target Robinho, according to the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro.

Speculation has been rife that the Real Madrid forward is on his way to the Premier League, with Chelsea admitting their interest and Manchester United also linked. But reports in Spain suggest that Madrid's bitter rivals Barca could be preparing a bid, with both club president Joan Laporta and coach Pep Guardiola in favour of the idea.

And Ribeiro insists the notion is not a surprise to him, telling Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo: "It's only logical that a club like Barcelona want Robinho."

He continued: "He is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea have presented a big offer for Robinho to Real Madrid, but it seems as if the club don't want to sell him."

Ribeiro claimed on Tuesday that the Blues were winning the race, with Robinho attracted by the idea of linking up with their new boss, fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer of £48million for the 24-year-old - something the Blues deny - who has also been mooted as a possible makeweight in a deal to bring United's Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital.

However, it is believed Madrid are reluctant to let Robinho go until the Ronaldo saga reaches its conclusion, and Ribeiro has reiterated his client's claim that he is be happy in Madrid.

"Robinho has a contract at Real Madrid," he added. "And for that reason he is not looking to leave the club."

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