Robinho transfer twist

Sky Sports are reporting that we have confirmed that Robinho is set to leave the club on a short term basis, but perhaps not to Santos as has been widely reported:

Santos had also stated they were confident of tying up a loan deal for the unsettled forward to return to his homeland.

However, Sao Paolo have now joined the chase for the Brazilian and the two clubs will battle it out to sign the former Real Madrid man on loan.

If, as it now appears inevitable, we do allow him to leave it looks as though we will still be on the hook for virtually half of Robinho's current salary according to this report in this mornings Times:

The forward is ready to take a pay cut of about £45,000 a week from the £150,000 that he secured when he became the most expensive player in this country after moving from Real Madrid 18 months ago. Santos are in talks with sponsors to help to fund about £35,000 of the remaining wage — three times more than their present top earner — with City expected to pick up the balance, about £70,000.

A big price to pay to rid ourselves of a player who could make an impact for us between now and the end of the season.