No Thanks, Roman

Kaka has apparently resisted the overtures of another big-money English team ready to bring him to the Premier League, as the Brazilian, according to reports in the British press, has rejected an advance from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to swap Milan's San Siro for Stamford Bridge. Broadsheet newspaper The Times claims that Bosco Leite, the player's father who also acts as his representative, met Abramovich whilst the Russian oligarch was in Italy sealing the deal to bring Carlo Ancelotti to the Blues as manager. Apparently the Chelsea owner was willing to shatter the world transfer record to bring the attacker to London, and, whilst an agreement was reached with AC Milan, the player's representative has proved a little less willing to negotiate. The Rossoneri are resigned to the South American's departure, but it is understood that Leite informed Abramovich that his son would prefer to move to Real Madrid, who could announce Kaka's capture as soon as this week. Abramovich has seemingly been courting Kaka for several seasons, so his failure to land the player could be seen as something of a blow. The oligarch has been taking a much more hands on role at Stamford Bridge in recent months, personally overseeing the hunt for a managerial successor to Guus Hiddink. It is also reported by The Times that Carlo Ancelotti has recommended that Chelsea sign Andrea Pirlo from his old club, but Milan may well be unwilling to sell. The Londoners are already in discussion with CSKA Moscow about signing Yuri Zhirkov, whilst Sergio Aguero is also believed to be another target for Abramovich, who, although he expects most transfers to be funded from player sales, is prepared to fork out the cash for a big name, 'marquee' signing.