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RIVER DENY YEPES IS ENGLAND BOUND

REPORTS in Argentina are adamant that Colombian international Mario Yepes will be joining either Aston Villa or West Ham in the next month, but River Plate president David Pintado has refuted the claims.

It is being suggested that a bid of £9.6 million ($10 million) has been lodged with the South American giants, but Pintado denies this.

"There is no official offer for Yepes," said Pintado, but another director at the club was quoted as saying that a deal is done and that River will pocket £7 million, as they only own half of the player.

Both Villa and West Ham have been strongly linked with Yepes in the past and it would not be a surprise if either pursued their interest.

Villa are obviously keen to bring another Colombian in to help record-signing Juan Pablo Angel settle, but the fee involved would seemingly rule them out, and they have also seemingly shelved their interest for Boca`s Mauricio Serna.

West Ham could be a feasible option as Harry Redknapp is always looking to bolster his squad, and they do have money remaining from the sale of Rio Ferdinand, as well as being in regular contact with River Plate as they are hoping to sign youngster Andres D`Allesandro.

But the player himself has refused to get dragged into speculation, and said: "I only wait for the game on Sunday for River.

"So far I have listened to a lot of rumours, but when you are with a club like River it is quite common."