It would almost be quicker to draw up a list of the top European players Chelsea have NOT been linked with, such is the apparent breadth of their ambition following Roman Abramovich's takeover.

West Ham's Glen Johnson, Inter Milan's Christian Vieri, Real Madrid's Geremi, Blackburn's Damien Duff, Southampton's Wayne Bridge, Juventus' Edgar Davids and David Trezuguet and (deep breath) AC Milan's Andrei Shevchenko have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.

The Sun predicts that Abramovich's transfer bids could become "the biggest cash splash in football history."

Wayne Bridge's agent certainly seems keen on a move, telling The Guardian that "Southampton are a top team but there are two or three who are better. There are exciting things going on at Chelsea and having the chance to be part of it would be great."

But if the big transfer deals the football world has witnessed so far this summer are anything to go by, nothing is ever straightforward in the world of high-finance transfer deals.

THE HEADLINES The Daily Telegraph: Els escapes Daly grind The Times: Chelsea chasing Vieri after making move for Johnson The Sun: �48m in 48 hours - Red Ron's amazing spree The Guardian: Chelsea in �5m play for Bridge Daily Mirror: Roman to sign a Duff Daily Express: Roman's Legion Daily Star: Chelski in �70m Shev 'n Vieri swoop Daily Mail: Sorry, Fergie The Independent: Duff is added to Abramovich's shopping list

The fallout from Kewell's move to Liverpool shows no sign of blowing over, with most papers reporting that the forward turned down an 11th hour bid from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"When Harry snubbed Fergie," puns the Daily Mirror while the Daily Star's take is: "Kewell KO's Fergie."

Needless to say, the interest in the financial details of the transfer rumbles on, with The Independent reporting that Leeds chairman professor John McKenzie is "under growing pressure" following his war of words with Liverpool.

Elsewhere, Britain's David Coulthard has been advised by F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to leave McLaren if he wants to win the driver's title.

"Move on if you want to be champion," says the Daily Mail, which quotes Ecclestone as comparing Coulthard to 'Tiger' Tim Henman - "good, but maybe not good enough to win his title."

And ahead of next week's British Open, defending champion Ernie Els' impressive form at the Scottish Open has many pundits tipping him to repeat the feat.