Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made an audacious bid to make AC Milan star Kaka the first signing of Carlo Ancelotti's reign. The Times says Abramovich met Kaká's father and agent, Bosco Leite, in Milan last week after sealing the capture of Ancelotti, who is set to be announced as the club's new manager.

Abramovich is prepared to shatter the world transfer record to secure Kaká and would have no problem concluding a deal with AC Milan, who are resigned to his departure this summer, but coming to an agreement with the player's representatives is proving more difficult.

The Chelsea owner was told by Leite that Kaká would prefer to join Real Madrid.

Abramovich has been courting Kaká for several seasons so such a rejection represents a considerable blow, but he will continue his attempts to refashion the squad.