Striker Robinho says he wants to move to Chelsea and prove himself as "the best player in the world".

The 24-year-old Brazil international is desperate to be in the plans of compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari, despite the reluctance of his current team, Real Madrid, to do business.

The Spanish giants have insisted Robinho is not for sale but Chelsea are confident they can tempt them with a suitable offer.

Scolari said: "Real Madrid have the player and set the price. He is a very good player, a fantastic player who all the coaches in the world like and would want him in their squad."

Real would want Chelsea to break the British transfer record to buy Robinho, and chief executive Peter Kenyon was thought to be in the Spanish capital this week to negotiate further.

For his part, Robinho has made his intentions clear. He said: "I want to leave. I've told the president, the directors and the coach. I want to play in the Premier League.

"Chelsea have a great squad, a great team and their offer is good for me and for the team.

"It isn't because of money, it is simply because I want to leave. My personal aim is to be the best player in the world and that isn't going to be possible at Real Madrid."

Scolari will be short of forwards at Wigan as Didier Drogba's knee injury will not have healed, while Andriy Shevchenko has been recovering from a groin problem.

After his disappointing spell with Chelsea, Shevchenko almost joined former club AC Milan on loan, with Roma the latest club linked with taking the striker on a short-term deal.

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