Luiz Felipe Scolari today took another major step in his Chelsea revolution by closing in on Real Madrid winger Robinho.

The Brazilian's agent Vagner Ribeiro claims Chelsea have increased their efforts to persuade the 24-year-old to join and has met with sporting director Frank Arnesen.

Standard Sport yesterday revealed Chelsea had bid £27m and Ribeiro says his client could be on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge, where he would join new signing Deco.

"It's true Chelsea are interested in Robinho," Ribeiro told Spanish sports daily AS. "They have been after him for a while and there has been much more contact since Scolari became the new Chelsea coach.

"I met with Arnesen in London and he confirmed to me Chelsea wanted my player for next season."

Robinho is not happy with Real Madrid offering him to Manchester United as part of their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo or that he is still on only £30,000-a-week. He is set to have more talks with Real but is tempted at the prospect of being reunited with former Brazil coach Scolari.

Ribeiro added: "Robinho's priority is to continue at Real Madrid, but he cannot stay in a place in which they don't recognise his talent. They are undervaluing him in comparison to Ronaldo."

Scolari, who officially started work at Chelsea today, has allowed Israel striker Ben Sahar, 18, to join Portsmouth on loan for six months.