GUANGZHOU, China (AFP) - Chelsea on Monday denied tabling a sensational world-record offer for AC Milan's Kaka as the transfer rumour mill went into overdrive at the start of their Asian tour.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon dismissed reports of a 150 million euro (238 million dollar) bid for the Brazilian World Player of the Year and said negotiations with the Italian club had stalled.

"There was no offer made. I have read the same articles. They have made it clear that he is not for sale and we will make it clear we have not made an offer," Kenyon said after arriving in southern China.

"There is no reason to negotiate over something they don't want to do and we have not made an offer."

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliano also laughed off the price-tag reported by Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There has been no offer of 150 million euros for Kaka from anyone, even less so Chelsea," he said.

"These are urban legends that nourish themselves. Tomorrow someone will write 200 million and hopefully by September we'll reach 300 million.

"I met with (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich, we asked about Sheva (Andrei Shevchenko) and he asked about Kaka but we talked about numbers and it ended 0-0.

"Real Madrid have also called about Kaka but he is staying with us."

Kenyon said Chelsea were still talking to Real Madrid about striker Robinho. British media reported Chelsea have offered 25 million pounds (49.8 million US) for the 24-year-old Brazilian.

"It is well noted we have shown interest. We have had discussions with Madrid over it and they are ongoing. The window is still open and we are still talking to Madrid," Kenyon said.

Transfer speculation threatened to overshadow the start of the tour, which also includes trips to Macau and Malaysia before heading to Russia.

New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was forced to scotch renewed doubts over Didier Drogba's future after the striker missed the trip through injury, making him the only high-profile absentee.

"Didier is injured. The doctor and our medical staff made a plan to have him training and playing in maybe three or four weeks," Scolari said. "But at this moment it's impossible for Didier to come with us."

However Scolari, whose first match is against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on Wednesday, was boosted by the presence of key midfielder Frank Lampard despite persistent interest from Inter Milan.

"He is training every day in the morning and afternoon very well. The most important thing is that he is here with us," Scolari said.

"I have spoken to him every day, talking about Chelsea, about what's the best way for Chelsea to play and when training with the other players what's the best position for him.

"I have spoken about how to win games with Chelsea and no more."

Captain John Terry also made a fresh appeal for Lampard to remain at Stamford Bridge.

"The players all want him to stay, but it's down to Frank and the club to sort it out. We are here to focus on the football, but hopefully while he's here the club can sort it out," Terry said.

Chelsea were also buoyed by news that goalkeeper Petr Cech had signed a fresh five-year deal.

Meanwhile, influential midfielder Claude Makelele has left for Paris Saint Germain and Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz is headed to VfB Stuttgart, both on free transfers.

New signings Deco and Jose Bosingwa have both joined the tour as Chelsea look to improve on last season's runners-up finishes in both the Champions League and the Premiership.

Scolari will be keenly aware of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich's sky-high expectations with predecessor Avram Grant axed despite taking the team to their first Champions League final.

He pointed to a previous trip to the region, when his Brazil side won the 2002 World Cup after also visiting Malaysia.

"Maybe the same thing can happen for us," he said.