Last Updated: Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:02
Long-term target Daniel Alves is still hopeful that Chelsea will sign him despite the arrival of Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti.
Chelsea have been locked in talks to sign the Sevilla defender for the last month but moved to sign his Brazilian compatriot Belletti on Thursday after Sevilla rejected an improved offer of £21.5 million for Alves.
Chelsea insist that they will no longer pay over the odds for any player in the transfer market while Blues boss Jose Mourinho has indicated that there will be no more new signings before the transfer window shuts at the end of this week but Alves is still holding out hope that his dream may be realised.
Speaking to the Spanish media, he said: "It was the opportunity of a life time but I remain hopeful I can move before the window closes.
"At the moment it feels like I was in a gun fight and I've just given my gun to my opponent."
Meanwhile, Mourinho hailed England midfielder Frank Lampard after his third goal in a week earned Chelsea a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portsmouth on Saturday to send them to the top of the Premier League table.
Mourinho said: "If he has critics I am not one of them. He has people that support him every time and I am one of them.
"It is not easy for midfield players to score four goals in as many matches. In the three games he's scored for us, he has given us important points.
"So, he's sharp and mentally ready. He wants to play a great season and he's winner. He was not happy with just two cups last season and I know I can count on him."
He added: "Portsmouth are a good team who are well organised with good players and manager. They made it difficult for us but the weather was not a help. It was very hot and I could see in the first half it was very difficult for the players to play intense football.
"There was no pressure on the ball and people were thinking and walking slowly on the pitch. I had to shake them at half-time to improve in the second half. I am happy with the points and the fact we are top of the league. But I want to play better.
"Every big club in the Premier League is playing to be top of the league and we are no different.
"We want to be first on the last day of the season. To be there now, means what it means. It is good to be there."