Inter Milan deny deal with Chelsea for Vieri

Inter Milan have denied newspaper reports that they have agreed a deal to sell their Italy international striker Christian Vieri to Chelsea.

British newspapers reported on Thursday that Chelsea had agreed a 20 million pounds ($32.31 million) transfer fee with Inter for the former Lazio and Juventus forward.

But a spokesman for Inter said: "There is no agreement with any club, there are not even any negotiations. Christian Vieri is an Inter player and he will wear Inter's shirt next season as well. There is no doubt at all about that."

Chelsea have been linked with Vieri ever since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took over the west London club and an initial, tentative enquiry for the player last month was rejected by Inter.

Vieri, 30, joined Inter from Lazio in 1999 for a then world record fee of $50 million having previously played for Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

The burly striker, who spent his youth in Australia, has played for nine clubs in his career.

Chelsea have spent over 58 million pounds on new players since Abramovich took over the club.

Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron joined from Manchester United for a 15 million pounds fee on Wednesday along with England midfielder Joe Cole who cost 6.6 million pounds from West Ham United.

Chelsea's other purchases are Ireland winger Damien Duff from Blackburn Rovers for 17 million pounds, West Ham defender Glen Johnson (up to 6.0 million), Cameroon midfielder Geremi (6.9 million) and England defender Wayne Bridge (7.0 million).