Chelsea make Robinho bid

Top English Premiership club Chelsea confirmed on Thursday night they had made a bid for Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho.

The Stamford Bridge club, who have already signed Jose Bosingwa and Deco, had made no secret of their desire to bring Robinho into their squad.

A statement on the Blues' website, www.chelseafc.com, read: “Further to media reports, Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have made an offer to Real Madrid today for the transfer of Robinho.”

The 24-year-old, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2005, has 50 caps for Brazil and Chelsea's offer is believed to be around 20 million pounds (25.4 million euros).

A Spanish newspaper had reported on Wednesday Robinho had told the club he wanted to join Chelsea, coached by his compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Robinho told Real president Ramon Calderon that no club could retain a player if he wanted to leave, ABC reported.

Robinho felt unwanted at Real, and was hurt by the club's decision to prevent him joining the Brazil squad at the Olympics, ABC added.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had said on July 21 he was hopeful of signing Robinho.