Robben and Malouda fates intertwined

Arjen Robben’s future as a Chelsea player could be decided within days if the Barclays Premier League club continue to pursue Lyon winger Florent Malouda.

Chelsea are understood to have had a £12m bid for Malouda rejected by Lyon but the Blues may be forced to increase their offer after Real Madrid made it clear they were also interested in the France star.

Madrid were also reported to be closing in on Robben but president Ramon Calderon insists only one winger would be joining the Spanish champions.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon dismissed speculation linking Robben with Real last week.

But Calderon has always admired the Holland international and sports daily AS claim Real struck an agreement with Robben’s father and agent, Hans, over the weekend.

Negotiations between Robben and Chelsea over a new long-term extension to his current deal appear to have stalled and Calderon has now put further pressure on the Dutchman and Chelsea by revealing their interest in Malouda.

Calderon told Real’s official website, www realmadrid.com: “We like Robben and Malouda. But they play in the same position and we will only sign one of them.”

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard will not be joining Juventus after former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri ruled the club out of the race for his signature.

The England midfielder has been linked with Juve and Barcelona this summer but the player insists he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Juve manager Ranieri has set his sights on signing a defender to boost his new side’s ranks instead of a midfielder.

Ranieri declared: “We are full in midfield and won’t be signing anyone else there.

“Frank is a fantastic player – I know that better than anyone – but the only player we need before the start of the season is a central defender.”

Ranieri signed Lampard from West Ham for £11m in 2001 and continues to admire the talents of the 28-year-old.

“Many people said Frank wasn’t worth the money when I signed him but he worked very hard and went on to become one of the best midfielders in the world. That made me very proud,” said Ranieri.

“We had a great relationship when we were at Chelsea and it was good to catch up with him after England’s game against Brazil last month.”

Chelsea full-back Geremi finally completed his move to Newcastle yesterday on a free transfer and put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Geremi was never considered a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge and said talks with Magpies boss Sam Allardyce convinced him that a return to the north east, where he once played with Middlesbrough, was the best hope of rekindling his career.

“I am delighted to join Newcastle and I am very, very pleased with this move,” said Geremi.

“This, like Chelsea, is a big club and a great football club. They have passionate fans and I look forward to playing for them.

“I was impressed with Sam Allardyce too. I was impressed with what he has done in football and his knowledge of other teams and players. It’s a great move for me.”