Gilardino won't join Blues

Alberto Gilardino has again stressed he has no intention of joining Chelsea.

The Italy international is among a number of candidates for the Premiership champions as they look to sign a new forward.

Previous reports have suggested that The Blues are prepared to pay ‚é¼35 million (£24 million) to take Gilardino to Stamford Bridge.

This figure is well in excess of the ‚é¼25 million (£17 million) that Milan are willing to splash out to secure Gilardino's signature.

Up to now, Parma have held firm regarding the sale of Gilardino and the player's agents have again had to refute suggestions that a deal with Milan has already been agreed.

For his part, Gilardino is not prepared to demand a transfer from Parma and would be open to seeing out his contract until June 2007.

But should Parma succumb to the overtures of other clubs, then Gilardino has reiterated that he only wants to join Milan and is not ready to move to The Premiership.

"I have a contract with Parma that will expire in June 2007 that I have to respect, not just for professional reasons, but for the affection towards the club and the city," Gilardino said on his agents' website.

"From the beginning, I have left the absolute decision to Parma.

"I have indicated Milan as my preferred destination after a technical evaluation of their group and of their players' characteristics.

"The negotiation between the two clubs is continuing and, like everyone, I wait for news about my future.

"Parma have always said they would give privilege to my indications.

"The alternative is represented by my staying in Parma until the contract expires.

"It's useless to say I have signed any deal with Milan. I hope the situation could be unblocked in the next hours."