Crespo in London for transfer talks

Hernan Crespo and directors from Inter Milan were believed to be in London today to finalise his £20million-plus move to Chelsea.

Former Middlesbrough star Marco Branca, now the sporting director at Inter flew in along with another director, Gabriele Oriali, as Roman Abramovich's amazing summer spending spree looks set to top the £100m mark.

Inter are attempting to hold out for 40m euros (£27.5m). It is more likely Chelsea will pay less than £25m but that will still shatter the club's transfer record set last month when they signed Damien Duff for £17m.

Inter Milan admitted yesterday they were willing to listen to offers for striker Crespo, who played alongside his would-be Chelsea team-mate Juan Sebastian Veron for Argentina last night. Veron scored as Argentina beat Uruguay 3-2 in the friendly in Florence, Italy.

Inter general manager Massimo Moretti said: "First and foremost, we look out for the interests of our players and of the club. If there is an offer, we are willing to evaluate it."

The player's agent Fernando Hidalgo, who also represents Veron, said he was waiting for news from Chelsea.