Chelsea have insisted they are still in talks with Gianfranco Zola over a deal to keep the veteran striker at Stamford Bridge - despite reports he is poised to sign for Cagliari.
The Blues today insisted "negotiations are still ongoing" in response to growing speculation the fans' favourite, four days shy of his 37th birthday, is poised to quit the club after seven years at Stamford Bridge.
Zola's agent Fulvio Marrucco claimed his client was under the impression Chelsea were not desperate to keep him. Marrucco's comments came despite the regular public pleas from boss Claudio Ranieri that Zola stays on for another season.
Reports claim the Blues have offered Zola a contract featuring a massive pay-cut. Zola is said to be being lined up as the new captain of Serie B Cagliari.
PA