Chelsea set to agree record £43m deal for Bayern Munich star Ribery

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery is reported to be on the verge of agreeing a stunning £43million move to Chelsea.

The French international winger had been heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United this summer, but reports are now suggesting that he will sign a deal at Stamford Bridge, after the two clubs agreed the mammoth fee.

Talks between Chelsea officials and the player's representatives are believed to have dragged on after it was revealed that Ribery has demanded a weekly salary of £125,000 AFTER tax.

The Blues are said to be reluctant to offer more than £90,000, although discussions are at an advanced stage and there are no suggestions that the deal is in serious danger of breaking down.

The 26-year-old Ribery currently earns around £134,000-a-week in Germany but is apparently desperate to leave the Allianz Arena, and may be persuaded to lower his wage demands.

If the Londoners do close the deal it will considered be a bitter blow to Premier League rivals United, who have long wanted the Frenchman as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Ronaldo's apparent willingness to stay at Old Trafford after the long-running saga over his prospective move to Real Madrid means that Sir Alex Ferguson has cooled his interest .

Ribery has also been linked with Real in recent months, while Barcelona dropped their interest after talks with Bayern over a possible deal were made public.