Chelsea are ready to bid for Bayern Munich wing ace Franck Ribery.
The Daily Mail says the 26-year-old's agent has given Chelsea the green light to follow up their interest in the winger following categorical denials that Ribery had already signed an agreement to go to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness says it would be "fiscally irresponsible" to hold on to the former Marseille star beyond the summer unless a contract extension is agreed.
Hoeness has been determined to tie his star player to the club, but Ribery admits he has no plans to get around the table with his employers and is prepared to see his deal run down and leave for nothing in 18 months.
His agent Alain Migliaccio said: "Ribery will not renew with Bayern. Either he will complete his contract or he will go somewhere else at the end of the season."
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a huge admirer of Ribery and is prepared to bankroll a £45million deal.