Buck dismisses Ronnie talk

Blues more concerned with sealing Lampard deal

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Buck dismisses Ronnie talk

Ronaldinho: Not a Chelsea target

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Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has told Sky Sports News that he does not expect Ronaldinho to arrive at Stamford Bridge over the summer.

The Blues have been constantly linked with the Brazilian superstar over the past couple of seasons, but any move for the Barcelona forward would now appear to be out of the question.

With the club keen to establish themselves as a global brand Ronaldinho would appear to have been the perfect poster boy for them to infiltrate the American and Asian markets.

However, despite admitting that the possibility of bringing the two-time World Player of the Year to the club had been discussed in the past, Buck insists that the Blues have other priorities at present.

Rumours

"Ronaldinho? No, I don't see it being likely that Ronaldinho will be here next year," the chairman told Sky Sports News.

"Anything was a possibility and certainly there had been rumours and discussions of that, but I don't see it happening."

The immediate concern for the Chelsea board is tying England international Frank Lampard down to a new long-term contract and, despite talks being delayed until the end of the season, Buck remains confident that the midfielder will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Wonderful player

"We want him to stay and he has said he wants to stay," the American confirmed.

"He also said he'd like to delay discussions until the summer, but I'm optimistic that we'll be able to sort something out.

"It's only because he wants to concentrate on his football.

"He's a wonderful player and a superb guy and we'd like to see him for the long-term at Chelsea football club."