Chelsea Yes, United No

According to a report in the British broadsheet The Guardian, Chelsea are ready to up the ante for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, while Manchester United are set to give up the chase. It is thought that the Blues have had an initial offer of around €47.1 million (£40m) for the 5ft 7in versatile forward, who can play on either wing as well as through the middle, rejected by Die Bayern.

Although Chelsea are apparently prepared to increase their bid, the Red Devils are said to have pulled out of the race because they have a new policy of not signing players aged 26-years or over - and Ribery celebrated his 26th birthday in April. The west London based outfit, it appears, are left to battle it out with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for the 37-time capped France international's signature. Bayern have insisted that they do not wish to sell their most prized asset, but it is claimed that Chelsea could tempt them with an offer of cash plus Jose Bosingwa, a player the Bundesliga outfit are believed to be interested in. However, their biggest battle could be in persuading Ribery to move to Stamford Bridge, as it is thought that he favours a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu. Rumour has it that Los Blancos have set aside €55m (£46.6m) for the former Marseille star.