Chelsea make initial move for Robinho

CHELSEA have stepped up their interest in Real Madrid forward Robinho after sporting director Frank Arnesen met with the player's agent.

New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who began his Chelsea job today, has already signed Portugal international Deco from Barcelona and there are increasing signs that Robinho could be the next arrival.

Robinho's representative Vagner Ribeiro is determined to get the best move for the Real Madrid winger and claims he is better than Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been targeted by the Spanish champions.

"It's true that Chelsea are interested in signing Robinho," Ribeiro told Spanish sports daily AS.

"They have been after him for a while and there has been much more contact since Scolari became the new Chelsea coach. I met with (Frank) Arnesen in London and he confirmed to me that Chelsea wanted my player for next season."

Meanwhile, Scolari was given a major boost in his bid to keep midfielder Frank Lampard after Inter boss Jose Mourinho claimed the player would not be joining him until 2009-10 season.