Chelsea deny Ronaldinho bid

The Samba superstar signed a new contract with Barca on Tuesday - which saw his release clause raised to around ‚é¼150 million.

Both Chelsea and Real Madrid had been linked with a move for the ubiquitous forward - who grabbed 22 goals in his debut season having joined from Paris Saint Germain last summer.

Ronaldinho was quoted as saying he was offered £50 million by Chelsea to sign for them, before he committed his future once again to Camp Nou.

However, Chelsea have now stated that no such offer was made.

"Contrary to media reports, Chelsea Football Club would like to clarify that no formal offer was made to FC Barcelona or to Ronaldinho regarding a transfer to Stamford Bridge," said a Blues club statement.

Ronaldinho's release clause will reduce up until his current deal expires in 2008 - by which time he could be bought out of his deal for around ‚é¼80 million.