Ribery, though, remains the highest profile target on the wish-list of Carlo Ancelotti, who officially takes over as Chelsea manager on Wednesday, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich willing to provide significant funds.
Chelsea would like to complete what might be regarded as a "marquee" signing but, after seeing Kaka join Madrid, have largely only made progress towards lower-profile targets, including Daniel Sturridge, Yuri Zhirkov and Ross Turnbull.
Ribery's agent was quoted last week as saying his player wants to join Florentino Perez's project at Madrid, while Bayern have said that they do not want to sell. However, there is a feeling at Chelsea that the chase for Ribery will contain further twists and a deal does remain feasible in this transfer window.
Bayern claim that they have also received bids from Barcelona and Manchester United, although it is understood that the Premier League champions made no more than an inquiry as they seek to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea also maintain an interest in Andrea Pirlo, with reports in Italy yesterday suggesting that a deal could hinge on the sale of Michael Essien. Chelsea, though, would be hugely reluctant to lose Essien, while there are also doubts over how Pirlo, who is 30, would adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
Chelsea will be keen to avoid any repeat of the ill-fated signing of Deco, who remains likely to move to Inter Milan with Ricardo Carvalho.
Chelsea would like to complete what might be regarded as a "marquee" signing but, after seeing Kaka join Madrid, have largely only made progress towards lower-profile targets, including Daniel Sturridge, Yuri Zhirkov and Ross Turnbull.
Ribery's agent was quoted last week as saying his player wants to join Florentino Perez's project at Madrid, while Bayern have said that they do not want to sell. However, there is a feeling at Chelsea that the chase for Ribery will contain further twists and a deal does remain feasible in this transfer window.
Bayern claim that they have also received bids from Barcelona and Manchester United, although it is understood that the Premier League champions made no more than an inquiry as they seek to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea also maintain an interest in Andrea Pirlo, with reports in Italy yesterday suggesting that a deal could hinge on the sale of Michael Essien. Chelsea, though, would be hugely reluctant to lose Essien, while there are also doubts over how Pirlo, who is 30, would adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
Chelsea will be keen to avoid any repeat of the ill-fated signing of Deco, who remains likely to move to Inter Milan with Ricardo Carvalho.
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