Published on 12:00 AM, March 19, 2009

Alves rubbishes Chelsea link

Barcelona defender Daniel Alves has denied he has any interest in a move to Chelsea after a British newspaper claimed he was eager to join the club in the summer.
Since moving to the Nou Camp, Alves has carved out a reputation as one of the best attacking right-backs in the world.
But the player, who came close to moving to Stamford Bridge two years ago, has now come out and issued a statement denying any interest in a move to the Premier League club.
Alves has three years left on a contract which includes a release clause of 90 million euros. The Daily Mirror suggested Chelsea may be willing to pay £27m but that seems unlikely to tempt one of their European rivals to part with a crucial player.
The 25-year-old former Sevilla wing-back is also said to be interesting Manchester City, who are linked with just about every player of note in world football.