Chelsea have made an official approach to Real Madrid to buy Brazilian international Robinho reportedly worth close to 20 million pounds (38 million dollars), it was reported Friday.
In a statement on their website, Chelsea confirmed they have made an offer for Robinho, but did not reveal the size of their bid.
However British media reports said the offer is around 20 million pounds.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), tzhe Premier League side has tabled 19.7 million pounds for the 24-year-old striker.
If the deal goes through Robinho would join fellow countryman Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is about to start his first season as coach at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already signed Portugal midfielder Deco for 8 million pounds from Barcelona.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said on Saturday that, although talks with Real had stalled, he remains hopeful that a deal for Robinho would go through.
Kenyon believes Madrid's eagerness to secure a replacement is the only factor preventing him from moving to London.
"A key issue over buying Robinho has always been that Real are looking for a replacement," he told the club website.
"It is fair to say that is what has been holding up discussions."


Indian authorities have issued a birth certificate to a Japanese baby born to an Indian surrogate mother, easing the way for her Japanese father to take her home, news reports said Saturday.