Show me the money

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Mail

Chelsea boss Scolari tells Abramovich: Show me the money in January - I need to buy a striker!

Luiz Felipe Scolari has reportedly told the Chelsea hierarchy that he must be given cash to spend in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian coach wants to add another striker to the squad after admitting that Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba are not gelling.

But chief executive Peter Kenyon has repeatedly reiterated owner Roman Abramovich's wishes that there will not be any expenditure next month.

Scolari may have to settle for a short-term deal for unwanted Inter Milan striker Adriano.

The 26-year-old's girlfriend Joana Machado claims that he is in talks with Chelsea and Brazilian side Flamengo after being told he is not part of Jose Mourinho's plans at the San Siro.

But Machado fears that Chelsea will look elsewhere because he cannot play in the Champions League knockout stages.

The Sun reports that Scolari has twice asked the club for money to overcome their poor run of form.

He may have to sell Brazil defender Alex to fund any move he makes.