The Mirror says Chelsea last night made a formal £21million bid to land Real Madrid striker Robinho - but they will need to pay at least £5m more to get their man.

Real, who spent £9m to take Rafael van der Vaart from Hamburg, value Robinho at around £30m - although there is room for negotiation.

Last night's official approach by Stamford Bridge chief executive Peter Kenyon was the opening salvo in an all-out assault to land the player.

With the Chelsea hierarchy keen to give Scolari what he wants, a deal could be done in days.