Atletico deny Pirlo talks

Pirlo has been linked with a summer move to Chelsea following former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti's appointment at Stamford Bridge.

However, reports have claimed that the Italy international would prefer to join Atletico if he is to leave the San Siro.

A fee in the region of £18million has been mooted for the influential schemer, but Atletico say they are not in the running to sign Pirlo.

Club president Enrique Cerezo acknowledged Pirlo's quality, but confirmed the 30-year-old is not a transfer target.

"He is a great player, but we have never negotiated with him, nor requested him," said Cerezo.

"Pirlo has never been in our plans."