Robinho's deal with Chelsea almost sealed

MADRID // The Real Madrid forward Robinho will soon finally complete his desired transfer to English club Chelsea, according to reports from Spain. The Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is holding negotiations with Madrid officials in the Spanish capital and is set to agree a fee of close to ?40 million (Dh215m) for the Brazilian. Robinho, 24, recently pleaded with Madrid to let him move before the transfer window closes on Sept 1. Real were originally determined to hang on to the winger, but now seem to be resigned to losing him and are seeking a replacement. Valencia rejected a ?47m (Dh253.5m) offer from the club for the Spain striker David Villa, while the Ajax forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also a reported target. Meanwhile, Chelsea's main title rivals Manchester United got their campaign back on track on Monday night after a 1-1 opening-day draw with Newcastle. Darren Fletcher bundled in Patrice Evra's cross on 33 minutes for the only goal of the game against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Afterwards, the United defender Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Fletcher and his midfield partner Anderson - who arrived back from China at five on the morning of the game after playing for Brazil in the Olympics. Ferdinand said: "Darren was outstanding in pre-season and has carried that form on. Anderson is a fantastic footballer. He has great ability and we have not seen the best of him yet. I am sure of that." The Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, whose team lost 4-0 at Chelsea in their first match, claimed his side had already faced the two favourites adding: "They will probably meet again in a repeat of the Champions League final too, I shouldn't wonder." Everton have signed the Denmark right- back Lars Jacobsen, 28, on a free transfer. * AP