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Chelsea target Ancelotti to remain at Milan

03/06/2008

AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports he has signed a contract with Chelsea and committed himself to staying with the Serie A giants.

The Italian told reporters outside the club's headquarters there had been no contact with Chelsea over their vacant managerial post.

"There haven't been any contacts with Roman Abramovich's club," he told reporters.

"These rumours are the usual speculations that are repeated each year.

"I stay at Milan 150 per cent."

Ancelotti is the latest high-profile manager to seemingly elude Chelsea, who sacked Avram Grant after last month's Champions League final loss.

Former Blues hero Mark Hughes is close to replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson at Manchester City, while the Swede has been confirmed as the new Mexico coach.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has repeatedly ruled himself out of the Stamford Bridge race, leaving ex-Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard, Didier Deschamps, Roberto Mancini – replaced at Inter Milan by Jose Mourinho – and Luiz Felipe Scolari as the main contenders.

Following the Ancelotti rumours, Chelsea issued a statement saying they were "extremely happy" with the search for Grant's successor.

"Contrary to reports Chelsea Football Club has not reached agreement with any individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any organisation to talk to their manager," the statement read.