Milan have come out to deny newspaper reports which have
suggested Carlo Ancelotti is being primed for a move to
Chelsea.
It has been claimed that Jose Mourinho could be replaced by the
Italian tactician at the campaign's close, as talk of an internal
crisis at Stamford Bridge refuses to go away.
Relations between owner Roman Abramovich and his manager are said
to be at an all time low, with Andrei Shevchenko seemingly at the
centre of the discord in West London.
Saturday's game with Liverpool should provide an intriguing
sub-plot in the saga as Shevchenko is expected to declare himself
fit and all eyes, including Abramovich's, will be on whether
Mourinho chooses to employ the misfiring Ukrainian.
Claims regarding Ancelotti will only fuel speculation further, with
Shevchenko known to have a strong understanding with the man he
served with distinction during his halcyon days in Italy.
However, Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida is eager to pour
cold water on such reports, claiming Ancelotti will see out his
contract which runs until 2008.
"Ancelotti has a contract with Milan and he will stay," confirmed
Braida.
"What has been said in the press is all gossip, there's absolutely
nothing."