BOGARDE MOVE STILL IN PIPELINE

As exclusively revealed on planetfootball.com, Gianluca Vialli has targeted the burly stopper to reinforce his defensive ranks, with Frank Leboeuf`s long-term future at Stamford Bridge somewhat in doubt.

Bogarde could be on the brink of a £5 million move to West London after failing to restart training with his team-mates and new coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer.

Although the 29-year-old was intially given special dispensation to return late from the summer break, like the other Euro 2000 participants, but his withdrawal from the Dutch squad through injury ensured he should have been present on the first day of pre-season work.

Consequently, a departure seems imminent and Chelsea are regarded as favourites to land the former Ajax man, if they table a sizeable bid for his services.

Barca have denied that they have received any firm offers for Bogarde but Vialli`s interest has existed since the end of last season and he is believed to have asked Ken Bates and Colin Hutchinson to try and push through the deal.

Meanwhile, the Spanish press has flatly denied English tabloid reports that Rio Ferdinand is poised for a move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid.