BLUES MAKE ROBINHO BID - REPORT

Robinho - remains a target for Chelsea.

Chelsea have lodged a £19.7million bid for Real Madrid forward Robinho, according to Sky Sports News.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has made no secret of his desire to link up with his Brazilian compatriot and now the Blues have reportedly upped the transfer ante.

Earlier this week Robinho refused to rule out a move to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has openly declared the club's interest in the player.

Real Madrid have repeatedly expressed a desire to keep the South American but the recent signing of Rafael van der Vaart does give them ample cover.

Robinho was thought to be unsettled by talk he could be used as a makeweight in Madrid's bid to land Cristiano Ronaldo, a deal which has now been shelved.

Chelsea earlier this month conceded their bid to sign Robinho would be their last of the summer should it prove successful.