Transfer rumours

The Robinho story is turning into one of the sopa operas of the summer. Santos club president Marcelo Teixeira has been holding out for the buy-out clause of USD 50 million, and says he will not sell for less. Meanwhile Madrid say they have deposited USD 30 million with the Brazilian federation, equal to the club's 60% participation, and have asked them to send the transfer on (the remaining 40% apparently belongs to the player and his agent, who have renounced payment in order for the deal to go ahead). The final decision may have to be made by FIFA, but in the meantime the player has refused to turn up for training at his old club and has already been given a medical check up by Madrid's doctors in Brazil. Chapter 35 next week..... (25.07.05)