Chelsea have made an "astronomical bid" for AC Milan playmaker Kaka, according to the Italian club's vice-president Adriano Galliani.
Whilst Galliani was unwilling to divulge any further details Chelsea have been interested in the 26-year-old World Player of the Year for some time and owner Roman Abramovich has made it clear he is willing to heavily back his new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in the transfer market.
"An astronomical offer has come in from Chelsea for Kaka," Galliani said.
He also suggested that the Chelsea had sounded out Milan about the possibility of signing Andre Pirlo.
Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League, Galliani insisted Milan have been continuing to strengthen their squad and increase players' salaries.
"This means we'll be 50 million euros in the red," he said, adding: "All we would need to do in order to wipe out our debts is sell Kaka and Pirlo."
AC Milan have been linked with various players in the close season, including Barcelona duo Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho, and Arsenal's unsettled star Emmanuel Adebayor.
Pirlo's agent has been making public noises about the difference in his client's salary and that of Kaka as the Italian seeks a new deal with Milan.
The player's disquiet has alerted a number of top European sides to his availability.
"For Pirlo, there have been many requests," said Galliani. "But neither Pirlo nor his agent have come into my office and asked me for an improvement in salary."
