BLUES TURN TO MILAN`S GULY
CHELSEA`S search for a new left-sided midfielder has taken them to Milan as Claudio Ranieri bids to make Andres Guglielminpietro his first signing at Stamford Bridge.
Ranieri has considered Real Madrid`s Brazilian winger Savio, Ajax ace Jesper Gronkjaer, Celta Vigo`s Gustavo Lopez and Valencia star Kily Gonzalez, but he may be close to finally landing his man - in the shape of the player known simply as `Guly` to Italian supporters.
Like Lopez and Gonzalez, `Guly` is an Argentinian international, after making his debut against Holland last year. The 26-year-old has been a regular for Milan over the past two seasons, playing 44 times in Serie A, and he picked up a Scudetto winners` medal for his efforts in the 1998/99 campaign.
The ex-Gimn y Esgrima midfield man played against Leeds during Milan`s recent Champions League defeat at Elland Road, and against Chelsea in last season`s competition, but he could be set for a more permanent stay in England.
Negotiations have started between the two clubs and our understanding is that Ranieri`s latest move is showing signs of bearing fruition, despite the fact that `Guly` is currently very much in Milan`s plans.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains determined to sell Savio to the FA Cup winners, providing The Blues raise their offer for the Samba star.
Chelsea are frustrated that Real upped their valuation for the 26-year-old, when he obtained an EC passport, and also played him in the Champions League, and managing director Colin Hutchinson is believed to be reluctant to agree to the Spanish club`s wishes.
As a goodwill gesture, Jorge Valdano has promised to exclude agents from any dealings over the proposed transfer and he has attempted to promote good relations between the two clubs by faxing the West Londoners to clarify the situation.
Fears over the entire transfer system have caused Chelsea to baulk at the asking price for Savio, after initially agreeing a deal worth around £9 million, and it seems as though Ranieri is now looking elsewhere for the right player to add to the cosmopolitan squad at his disposal.
