James Ducker gives his verdict on the latest transfer gossip

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans suffered another blow yesterday when they were quoted a £65 million asking price by Bayern Munich for Franck Ribéry.

The France winger has emerged as the club’s primary transfer target after Kaká’s £56 million move to Real Madrid this week. Chelsea have not made an official bid for Ribéry, but informal discussions have led to Bayern quoting a world-record figure. The German club believe they are in a strong position because Real are also chasing Ribéry’s signature.

Sergio Agüero, the Atlético Madrid striker, and David Villa, the Valencia forward, are also on Chelsea’s radar in the event that they fail to lure Ribéry.

Decent bets

Barcelona are interested in signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Inter Milan and Sweden forward, which could jeopardise Manchester City’s attempts to buy Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroon striker. Reports in Italy and Spain suggest that Barcelona have offered Eto’o plus £8.5 million for Ibrahimovic, although Inter have insisted that there is no agreement in place.

Blackburn Rovers have yet to receive an offer for Roque Santa Cruz, but the striker’s future is expected to be resolved once he returns from Paraguay on Monday. City, who are reluctant to meet the £18 million release clause in his contract, are preparing their seventh bid in 18 months.

Long shot

Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, has warned Barcelona that Javier Mascherano is not for sale at any price, even though the midfield player’s agent said that he wanted to move to the Nou Camp. Benítez said: “They can offer £40 million or even £50 million — we don’t want to sell.”

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