Real Madrid forward Robinho will reportedly soon complete his desired transfer to English club Chelsea.

Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon is holding negotiations with Real officials in Madrid, Spain, and is set to agree a fee of close to 40 million euros (US$58.8 million) for the Brazilian, sports daily Marca reported yesterday.

Chelsea, coached by Robinho's fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, is said to have offered Robinho a large increase on his current reported 2.1-million euro annual salary.

Robinho, who is under contract until 2010, recently pleaded with Real to let him move to Stamford Bridge before the close of the European transfer window on Sunday.

The 24-year-old said his aim of becoming the best player in the world would not be fulfilled by staying at Real.

Real President Ramon Calderon said at the weekend that Robinho could terminate his contract and join Chelsea, but suggested he would have to pay a large sum to do so.

With the buyout clause in Robinho's contract set at 150 million euros, it appeared that the Spanish champion had shut the door on a possible move.

However, Real now appears to be seeking a replacement.

Robinho joined Real from Brazilian team Santos three years ago, but media reports suggested he was annoyed by Real's refusal to allow him to play at the Olympic Games.

Real's plan to use him as a makeweight in its failed pursuit of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo also persuaded the forward his future lay elsewhere.

On Monday, Valencia rejected a 47-million euro offer from the club for Spain striker David Villa, while Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also a reported target. One report said several Valencia board members were willing to accept Real's offer.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily August 27, 2008)