Stopper plays down Juve link

Atletico Madrid's Pablo Ibanez has brushed off talk linking him with Juventus.

The 23-year-old centre back has attracted widespread interest from The Premiership in the past with Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all admirers of his talents.

He arrived at Atletico last summer from Albacete and has only enhanced his reputation with his displays for Los Rojiblancos this term.

Juve are now reported to have joined the chase for his services as they look to bolster the heart of their defence.

However, the Atletico starlet has played down the reports, stating: "I am at a big club and am not thinking about anything but Atletico Madrid.

"I don't even want to think about it, because it is not significant.

"Nobody has said anything to me, and for the moment it is just speculation.

"I am calm, I am at Atletico Madrid and still have a long time left on my contract."

Fabio Capello's side have been linked with another defender plying his trade in Spain in Villarreal's Gonzalo Rodriguez, as well as Bayern Munich's Lucio.

However, Ibanez has now emerged as a target and they are thought to be preparing a ‚é¼2 million a year deal to try and tempt the stopper, who was recently called up to the Spain squad.