Chelsea are looking to break football's transfer fee record to sign AC Milan star Kaká.
According to Globoesporte, Chelsea are poised to put together a record-breaking €100 million offer for the services of the Brazil international.
It is reported that talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage already, with a representative of the player having flown to London earlier this week to engage in talks with the London outfit and hear their offer.
After that, a Chelsea emissary reportedly travelled to Milan to meet with the Rossoneri vice-president, Adriano Galliani, and make their interest official.
Kaká has a valid contract with AC Milan until 2012 and could be tempted to join Stamford Bridge to meet compatriot Scolari, who was appointed as coach earlier this summer.
The creative midfielder is expected in Milan tonight but will not be involved in the negotiations, at least not directly, according to reports.
Should the World Player of The Year agree to join Chelsea, he will become Scolari's second signing while at the club, following in the footsteps of Brazilian-born Deco.
Despite their adamant protests throughout the summer so far - as well as this time last year when Real Madrid came calling - the Rossoneri may be coaxed into selling their star player following the purchase of Ronaldinho, a ready-made replacement who they bought at a fraction of the price.
Vice-president Adriano Galliani in fact touched on the issue of a possible sale just under two weeks ago, ruling out the notion despite their debt. “The fans should be happy, as all we’d need to do in order to wipe out or debts is sell Kaka and Andrea Pirlo," he explained. "Instead they won’t move, so if that’s not a show of love for this side, I don’t know what is."
However, the debts remain a problem and, should the likes of Didier Drogba be included as part of the deal, it may prove too good to turn down.
Luís Mira
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According to the Corriere della Sera, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will demand within the next 48 hours that he be allowed to join Inter Milan.
Lampard’s proposed move to Inter has become something of a soap opera this summer. The Nerazzurri have had an initial €10m bid for the England international rejected, and although the 30-year-old appears to want to move to San Siro, Chelsea, and in particular owner Roman Abramovich, have no intention of selling him.
Reports in the English press over the weekend suggested that Lampard would see out the final year of his Chelsea contract before signing for Inter on a Bosman transfer in the summer of 2009.
However, the Corriere della Sera is now claiming that Lampard, who has so far remained quiet on the matter, will openly declare his intentions to join Inter immediately within the next 48 hours.
It is also claimed that Abramovich may be persuaded to do business with Inter, provided troubled Brazilian striker Adriano is included in some form of player exchange deal.
‘The Emperor’ has had a miserable two years on-and-off the pitch, and has spent the last six months on loan at Sao Paulo. Having since rediscovered some of his best form, and returned to Inter, his future with the Italians is still uncertain given the presence of a whole host of top class strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz and Mario Balotelli.
If the Nerazzurri fail to lure Lampard to San Siro, they will instead focus their attentions back on Porto’s Ricardo Quaresma.
Luca Capofranco
sigombak
The saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has taken yet another twist after he reportedly phoned Manchester United to inform he will return for pre-season training…
According to The Sun, the Portuguese superstar has given his word that he will be at Carrington on July 10 as scheduled, thus putting paid to claims he will be leaving United within the next few weeks.
It is the first time this month that the 23-year-old has made contact with the Red Devils, having snubbed the club’s attempts to reach him while he was at EURO 2008 with Portugal.
It was reported the two-time PFA Player of the Year refused to answer Sir Alex Ferguson’s calls amid the chaos surrounding his possible ₤70million move to Real Madrid.
Ferguson responded in kind after the former Sporting Lisbon sensation revealed his desire to make the switch, refusing to break off his summer holiday and thus meaning negotiations could not commence.
Ronaldo has since scrapped his plans to return to Manchester this week for an assessment of his injured foot, instead opting to take a holiday himself.
The Seleccao winger may be eager to kill two birds with one stone when he arrives in the North-West next month, perhaps hoping to have his foot sorted out immediately before discussing his future with Ferguson – who returns to work on July 1 – or vice versa.
Mike Maguire
sigombak
Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, has told Setanta that while Manchester City are leading the race for the Barcelona forward......
Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, has told Setanta that while Manchester City are leading the race for the Barcelona forward, there are currently no new developments...
AC Milan's interest in the striker is long-standing, but De Assis admits that at this stage it could be a lost cause.
But with Manchester City having confirmed Mark Hughes as manager, moneyman Thaksin Shinawatra may work towards a move for Ronnie shortly.
“They [City] have been one of the most interested clubs and I attended meetings with them,” De Assis said.
“But my brother’s transfer is far from easy because they have to agree with many parts and we are looking for the best sport option for him.
“The best options are in England and Italy but we cannot close any door.
“There has not been any important news about Ronaldinho’s future in the last few days.
“We are in touch with clubs and Barcelona are aware of it, but negotiations are stalling.”
'Dinho is set for a quiet summer in Porto Alegre as he recovers from his injury.
sigombak
Contrary to earlier reports that Valencia valued their star David Villa at €40 million, the Daily Mail reports that he could leave the club for as little as £17 million...
The Spanish international is being watched by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with Arsenal - a club he singled out for praise last month - also outside contenders for his signature.
Despite winning the Copa del Rey this season, Valencia are in complete disarray following their group stage elimination from the Champions League and near-relegation in La Liga and will have to sell at least one of their big name stars in order to stay afloat and indeed rebuild for the future.
The striker has insisted that he will not decide on his future until after Euro 2008, and should this prove to be the case, a good campaign may well see £17 million rise to much more, though it is highly unlikely Valencia will get anything in the region of the €40 million they are hopeful of netting for the ex-Real Zaragoza man.
Real Madrid are thought to be at the head of the queue for the 26-year-old, with Chelsea close behind and Tottenham perhaps slightly out of their financial weight class.
Fernando Montabon, Goal.com
Reports from the continent claim Roma are preparing to pounce for Liverpool defender John Arne Riise...
Stampa Articolo Invia ad un amico Contatta la redazione galleria zoom The Norwegian left-back is uncertain of his future at Anfield, having fallen out of favour with manager Rafa Benitez over the last two seasons.
With Fabio Aurelio establishing himself as the Reds first choice on the left side of defence, and Andreas Dossena on the verge of joining from Udinese, Riise could well be shown the door this summer.
Many believe the 26-year-old’s fate was sealed during the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, when he headed into his own net in the first leg and was at fault for Didier Drogba’s winner in the second leg.
Aston Villa and Newcastle have expressed interest in the former Monaco man, but sources in Italy suggest Roma could nip in with a ₤5million bid.
Giallorossi boss Luciano Spalletti is keen strengthen his defensive options ahead of next season, having identified both full-back slots as the team's major weakness.
Mike Maguire
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has further fuelled rumours of his possible departure, reportedly telling his friends and family he will leave the club after next season.
The Portuguese superstar has been heavily linked with move to Real Madrid, who have been hounding for his signature over the last few months.
The 23-year-old is yet to dismiss the possibility of a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, although United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the incumbent PFA Player of the Year will remain at Old Trafford.
But according to The Sun, the former Sporting Lisbon sensation and his agent Jorge Mendes are planning an exit strategy that would take effect next summer.
Ronaldo reportedly told his nearest and dearest: “If I don’t leave Manchester United now, I certainly will in a year.”
Mike Maguire
Newly appointed Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard his top priority in the transfer market.
The Special One is almost certain to raid his old hunting ground at Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks to stamp his mark on the Inter squad, and club president Massimo Moratti is expected to back his new manager to the hilt.
The charismatic Portuguese is expected to have around ₤100 million to work with between now and the end of August, but Moratti has claimed he does not expect wholesale changes.
“I have read lots of names but I have yet to speak with him [Mourinho] about the transfer market,” he said. “I would like to change very little of this squad which has won so much.”
Mega Buys
Such a statement suggests the Nerazzurri are in the market for a few choice mega-buys, a modus operandi Mourinho is more than familiar with following his tenure under Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.
One of those Blues buys was Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, for whom the former Porto boss was recently reported to be lining up a ₤24 million bid.
The former Lyon star has established himself among the best box-to-box players in the world in recent seasons, and hence Chelsea will be loath to let one of their most consistent and dangerous performers leave.
Shift
With that move looking increasingly unfeasible, Mourinho has shifted his attention slightly further up the pitch to Lampard, with whom he has been constantly linked since departing west London in September.
The England international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, who have so far failed to meet his wage demands of over ₤130,000-per-week.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, and with increased competition next season from resurgent German star Michael Ballack and upcoming Nigerian John Obi Mikel, a move to San Siro could prove too tempting for Lampard to refuse.
The former West Ham man could be just one among several Mourinho loyalists set to make the switch, with striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be seeking a Chelsea exit.
Mike Maguire
Mourinho Pledges Greatness
Jose Mourinho has given his first press conference as the new boss of Inter, and he has announced himself on the Italian scene by describing himself as a "great coach."
Mourinho was announced as the new coach of Inter yesterday afternoon, replacing three-time Scudetto winner Roberto Mancini, who was shown the exit door last week.
The Portuguese tactician announced himself as the new manager of Chelsea four years ago by describing himself as the 'Special One', and he appeared to have lost none of his supreme self confidence during his first press conference today as the new boss of Inter.
“I have arrived at a special club. I think I am a great Coach but I don’t want to be special," he stated.
“I am always myself and I don’t change. I am the same person as I ever was and I have that same mission and passion for my work.
“I have always thought that I would like to work in Italy and for a big club and I want to thank Massimo Moratti and Marco Branca for giving me this opportunity.
“This is a very important challenge for me, but I think that it will also be very enjoyable for you.”
The 45-year-old Mourinho has a stunning managerial record despite his young age, having won two Portuguese championships, a Portuguese Cup, a UEFA Cup and Champions League with Porto, as well as two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and two league cups among his honours at Chelsea.
Luca Capofranco
The club are still in the process of finding a replacement for manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who they parted company with yesterday, although Blackburn Rovers coach Mark Hughes is expected to be confirmed in the Eastlands dug-out within the next 48 hours.
City slicker: but could Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho really be turning out at Eastlands?
However, the managerial vacuum at the club has not stopped owner Thaksin Shinawatra from pressing forward with his plans to lure the former two-time Fifa World Player of the Year to the City of Manchester stadium for the start of next season, regardless of who will be in charge at the club.
Sources close to Thaksin say that members of City's Thai board are due to fly out to the player's home city of Porto Alegre in Brazil to meet with him face to face this weekend.
Should the club also manage to the secure the services of CSKA Moscow's £20 million-rated Brazilian forward Jo, then whoever does eventually take charge at Eastlands could have an explosive all-Brazilian front line at his disposal to kick off the new Premier League season.
In recent months Ronaldinho, 28, has reportedly had a tour of the City of Manchester stadium and it's facilities, while his brother and agent Roberto De Assis has also held a series of meetings with Thaksin's right-hand man, Pairoj Piempongsant, to discuss the potential transfer.
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Meanwhile, talks have been held with the Brazil international's main sponsors Nike, as well as with other potential investors who would help fund the player's massive wage demands, with Ronaldindo said to want £200,000 per week, a wage that would make him the world's highest-paid footballer.
By Richard Morgan
Football
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Manchester United next season, despite the predatory advances of Real Madrid…
The Portuguese winger is yet to commit his future to United following a landmark season, in which he scored an incredible 42 goals while collecting winner’s medals for the Premier League and Champions League.
Los Merengues have relentlessly and publicly pursued the 23-year-old over the past month or so, much to the chagrin of everyone at Old Trafford.
But Ferguson is used to Madrid’s media mind-games, and is confident that Ronaldo will stay with the Red Devils for many years to come.
“I’m very confident about that,” said Ferguson. “It’s a game Real play all the time.
“In the past they’ve done it with David Beckham, they’ve done it with Van Nistelrooy, they’ve done it with my fitness coach last summer — so we’re used to it.
“I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year. The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
“We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so — he’s the best player in the world.”
Mike Maguire
In perhaps one of the most ironic twists in this dramatic transfer saga, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at United despite overtures from the Spanish capital...
Beckham, now of Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, moved from Manchester United to Madrid in 2003 after something of a falling out between he and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo was bought from Sporting Lisbon that same summer and given Beckham's number seven - formerly belonging to King Eric Cantona and a host of other United legends.
While Beckham could not emulate his United success with los Merengues, Ronaldo has, after a few years of bedding in, grown to be one of if not the best player in the world, sealing that status with a goal in United's Champions League win last month in Moscow, as part of a double with the club's second successive Premier League.
Beckham has urged Ronaldo to stay with the Red Devils insisting that, unlike himself, the Portuguese is still very much at the beginning of his United career, despite having been there for five years.
"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," explained Beckham.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?
"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season. I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."
Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com
Footbal News-Newly appointed Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard his top priority in the transfer market…
The Special One is almost certain to raid his old hunting ground at Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks to stamp his mark on the Inter squad, and club president Massimo Moratti is expected to back his new manager to the hilt.
The charismatic Portuguese is expected to have around ₤100 million to work with between now and the end of August, but Moratti has claimed he does not expect wholesale changes.
“I have read lots of names but I have yet to speak with him [Mourinho] about the transfer market,” he said. “I would like to change very little of this squad which has won so much.”
Mega Buys
Such a statement suggests the Nerazzurri are in the market for a few choice mega-buys, a modus operandi Mourinho is more than familiar with following his tenure under Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.
One of those Blues buys was Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, for whom the former Porto boss was recently reported to be lining up a ₤24 million bid.
The former Lyon star has established himself among the best box-to-box players in the world in recent seasons, and hence Chelsea will be loath to let one of their most consistent and dangerous performers leave.
Shift
With that move looking increasingly unfeasible, Mourinho has shifted his attention slightly further up the pitch to Lampard, with whom he has been constantly linked since departing west London in September.
The England international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, who have so far failed to meet his wage demands of over ₤130,000-per-week.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, and with increased competition next season from resurgent German star Michael Ballack and upcoming Nigerian John Obi Mikel, a move to San Siro could prove too tempting for Lampard to refuse.
The former West Ham man could be just one among several Mourinho loyalists set to make the switch, with striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be seeking a Chelsea exit.
Mike Maguire
Chelsea have offered Frank Lampard a new £130,000 a week contract in a desperate bid to prevent the England midfielder from leaving.
The deal would put Lampard, who has one year on his current contract left to run, on the same salary as John Terry, the Chelsea captain.
According to the Daily Mirror, Lampard has stalled on signing a new contract for the past two years and is said to be considering a move to Inter Milan, who are expected to announce former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as their new coach this week. Lampard, who is on holiday in Dubai where he is considering his options, had a close relationship with Mourinho and played a key role in the Portuguese's Chelsea team that won back-to-back Premier League titles.
However, Lampard was deeply touched by the support Chelsea gave him when his mother died recently, and that could prove a factor in his decision over his future. Another issue that could sway Lampard's mind is Chelsea's choice of manager following the sacking of Avram Grant, with Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari and Dutchman Frank Rijkaard now said to be the frontrunners for the job.
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The Daily Express quotes a Chelsea source as saying: "Frank is tempted by the prospect of joining up with Jose again. They still have a really close relationship and Frank regards the period when he worked with Jose as the best time of his career. He still has a great affection for Chelsea, but he feels the time may now be right to move on.
"It is a massive decision. Frank feels indebted to the club for the way they supported him after the death of his mother."
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 8:46am BST 02/06/2008
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £20 million bid for Lyon striker Karim Benzema as he looks to secure the youngster's signature before the start of Euro 2008.
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom The likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 20-year old, who is one of Europe’s most promising youngsters after again impressing this campaign, firing twenty goals as Lyon claimed their seventh consecutive league title.
Ferguson, who has become increasingly frustrated with Louis Saha’s injury problems this season, is now set to move for Benzema within the next week to avoid having to pay more should the youngster impress for France this summer.
If The Red Devils fail in their bid to land the player already dubbed a new Bleus legend in France, Ferguson has a shortlist of forward candidates which includes Tottenham Hotspur’s majestic striker Dimitar Berbatov, Sevilla’s Fabiano and West Ham United’s Dean Ashton.
The 66-year old has been handed a hefty transfer budget by the club’s owner Malcolm Glazer, an amount that could be made all the larger should Cristiano Ronaldo opt to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid within the next three days.
William Wood
AC Milan have signed Italy international defender Gianluca Zambrotta from Barcelona, the Serie A club announced on Sunday.
Zambrotta has been a long-term target for former European champions AC Milan.
Milan did not release financial details, but Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the former European champions paid $14 million for Zambrotta and will pay another $3.1 million if they finish in the top three in Serie A next season.
Milan finished fifth in Serie A and had to settle for a UEFA Cup place -- and lost in the first round of the knockout stages to Arsenal in their unsuccessful defense of the Champions League last season.
Zambrotta, 31, joined Barcelona from Juventus after Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph. He had spent seven-years at Juve who were relegated for their part in a match fixing scandal.
The defender is key member of the Italy team that will play in the European Championship this month in Switzerland and Austria and has been a target for Milan for some time.
Milan needed a defender after Brazilian fullbacks Cafu and Serginho left at the end of the campaign while veteran Paolo Maldini is also yet to sign a new deal for what will be his final season.
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini was Milan's first signing for next season and several more deals are expected this summer.(CNN) --
Milan have finally captured Barcelona defender Gianluca Zambrotta after reaching a deal with the Blaugrana on Saturday night.
The club have announced the news following months of speculation linking the player with a move back to Italy.
Zambrotta is believed to have arrived on a three year deal from the Camp Nou side and reports in Italy claim Milan paid €8.5m for him. He will earn around €4m per season.
A statement on the club’s official website reads:
“It’s now official. Gianluca Zambrotta is now a Milan player.
“The defender is about to play in the European Championship with Italy and he leaves Barcelona to strengthen the Milan defence.”
Only hours ago, Galliani hinted that his side needed someone like Zambro and his wish has been granted. Zambrotta has always stated his desire to play for the Rossoneri in the past and he has given up Champions League football next season in order to return to Italy.
He will now be looking to partner former Azzurri team mate Alessandro Nesta in defence.
The Rossoneri have, so far, strengthened their midfield and their defence. All they need now is a goalkeeper and a decent striker.
Salvatore Landolina
Manchester United hot-shot Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that the final decision over his future will be announced by Tuesday...
The Portuguese ace has been tipped for a move to Real Madrid, with Manchester United apparently unwilling to off-load their star, who scored 42 goals in all competitions this season, despite big-money approaches from the Spanish club.
And Ronaldo, who is reported to be interested in a move to Santiago Bernabéu, has ensured that his future will be decided next week.
"Let's see, I hope there will be news soon. In two or three days I will announce my decision," he said after the game against Georgia.
On Portugal's display against Georgia, Ronaldo, who played during the first-half, said that he was happy with the 2-0 win and with his own level of play.
"I felt fine in the game, from now on I only have to make maintenance. I have realized that my level won't drop, just like it won't raise.
"I will be in good form in Euro, and I really want to make a good tournament," he added.
Luís Mira
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti knows that he cannot have too many new world class players, but is at least hoping that the club can allow him to sign two important ones in the coming months.
Spalletti is already thinking about being more competitive next season but insists that Roma do not need a number of signings.
"We need two players, not six," explained the former Udinese coach. "Obviously if someone leaves, then we would need to replace him, but costs still need to be evaluated.
Zambrotta And Eto'o - Dream Buys
Asked which players he would pick if he could have any two, he responded: “I would choose Samuel Eto’o and Gianluca Zambrotta, if I could have anyone.
"Conti and Prade try to please me. They know we have a great core of players, and just need a couple of world class ones to perfect it.
"Mancini? To have a good relationship with someone doesn’t necessarily mean coming to an agreement with that person," he said, when asked about his start winger's future.
“It just means that you are in talks and you are moving things forward. This has happened with Mancini, but also with several other players who had good seasons.”
Aquiani, Doni and De Rossi
Alberto Aquilani is set to spurn the advances of Arsenal and stay put, while Alexander Doni has decided to pen a new deal. “He has said the right things,” Spalletti said of Aquilani.
“He was the only person I phoned at Coverciano.
“I spoke to him on Monday evening and he said exactly what he said to the press to me.”
Spalletti also spoke of Daniele De Rossi's future.
“There won’t be any problems because the club know the player that he is,” he insisted. “He has shown his attachment to the shirt on lots of occasions and will remain linked to this project.”
Glenn Debattista
Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez has planted a seed of doubt regarding his future at the club, revealing he dreams of playing in Spain…
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to sign the Argentine international on a permanent deal, as he is currently on-loan from international investors’ group Media Sports Investment.
The former Corinthians star was strongly linked with a move to the continent last summer before joining the Red Devils from West Ham, having earned interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Los Merengues are currently hot on the heels of United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to definitively commit his future to the current English and European champions.
And now Tevez has thrown a spanner in the works by admitting he hopes to play in La Liga, although he insisted he is content at Old Trafford for the time being.
“Maybe one day I’ll play in the Spanish league but there’s a long way to go,” said the 24-year-old.
“At the moment I am happy here. I know many South Americans prefer to play in Italy or Spain when they move to Europe.
“But I’m happy here. It’s the best league in the world.”
Mike Maguire
Christian Chivu’s agent, Giovanni Becali, believes his client will remain at Inter but he has not ruled out a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Chivu’s future at Inter is looking bleak with the imminent arrival of former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese tactician is an admirer of Chivu but he is likely to try and sign his beloved Riccardo Carvalho from Chelsea. This could cause problems for the Romanian defender and there is a possibility that he may leave San Siro.
“Chivu is a player which Mourinho likes a lot and so I think that the Nerazzurri wouldn’t want to deprive themselves of him,” Becali told Teleradistereo.
“However, in football, you can never say never and if Barcelona put down a €20m offer then we would open talks with them.
“But, as I said before, Chivu has just won the league and he enjoyed a great season with Inter and so it’s unlikely he will leave.
“I am good friends with Barcelona directors and a couple of days ago I was involved in a football match with Guardiola but we didn’t talk about Chivu.”
The Romanian international signed from Roma last year in a €16m deal and Barcelona would have to stump up more than this if they are to have a chance of luring him to Camp Nou.
There are fears that Mourinho will off-load several players when he arrives and Chivu could be one of them. He may even propose a Chivu - Carvalho swap deal with Chelsea.
Salvatore Landolina
