Post by Taxigirl on Jan 15, 2004 9:29:46 GMT
Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has moved to dispel speculation that Christian Vieri is edging towards a switch to Chelsea.
The big-spending Premiership outfit have been linked with a £14 million bid for the Italian international, who was fined by Inter on Wednesday for his failure to attend a Coppa Italia match.
Reports suggest The Blues are aiming to take advantage of this current friction at Giuseppe Meazza by preparing an offer for the powerful hit-man.
The presence of key Inter official Gabriele Oriali in London merely heightened talk that negotiations were ongoing regarding a change of scenery for Vieri.
But Nerazzurri supremo Moratti insists Oriali was not meeting with Chelsea to discuss Vieri but to finalise details regarding the payment for Argentine striker Hernan Crespo.
"Oriali in London?" responded Moratti when questioned. "Yes he's there but for really different reasons, not for Vieri."
Blues boss Claudio Ranieri also allayed suggestions he was aiming to bring Vieri to Stamford Bridge by affirming his happiness with his current forwards.
"I don't know how many Italian journalists have called me today to tell me that Vieri was coming," commented Ranieri, after Chelsea's 4-0 FA Cup win over Watford.
"Oh yes, I told them, I'm going to the station to pick him up! But it's not true. You know me well, you know I don't answer these questions."
Inter general director Massimo Moretti, though, has hinted the situation could change despite the denials by Moratti and Ranieri, along with Vieri's recent pledge to stay with the club.
Meanwhile, Moratti revealed the matter of Vieri's fine for his refusal to travel to Udinese for the cup tie is now water under the bridge.
He added: "It has been a misunderstanding. It was something different than the coach had been expecting.
"But there are no regrets, there will only be the necessary consequences. Vieri is part of the group and he must respect rules that are the same for everyone.
"Vieri chose not to go to Udine due to a knee problem. But if the group is waiting for him, he must go, to also give a signal. For us, the Coppa Italia is really important."