Chelsea couldn't afford Shevchenko, says agent

Andriy Shevchenko’s agent believes Chelsea cannot afford to pay the wages of the newly-crowned European Footballer of the Year.

The AC Milan striker has been linked to a big-money move to Stamford Bridge, with manager Jose Mourinho a long-time admirer.

Mourinho has described him as the most complete forward in football, and with Milan keen to make Hernan Crespo’s loan from Chelsea permanent, there has been talk of a swap involving both players.

But Shevchenko’s agent Oscar Damiano believes there is little chance of a transfer taking place and insists Chelsea could not afford the Ukraine international’s massive salary.

Damiano said: “I know that they (Chelsea) may be interested but there is no chance; even if they make a ridiculous offer.

“They would have no chance on personal terms alone. He is one of the best five players in the world and is paid as such. There are always rumours but they can forget it.

"If Chelsea don’t understand that, it is their problem. Milan are a buying, not a selling club."

Mourinho could turn his attention again to Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe – despite having previously insisted that he is more than content with his current strikers.

Joe Cole could be used as bait to land the England international striker as Spurs are understood to be keen on the former West Ham midfielder.