Reports linking Didier Drogba with Barcelona switch 'complete nonsense'

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has dismissed media speculation linking Didier Drogba with a move to the Catalan giants.

It was reported in Spain this morning that Ivory Coast striker Drogba, who last week announced he would be joining Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, was due in Barcelona today for talks with the Nou Camp outfit.

However, when asked about that this afternoon, Rosell said: "I don't know anything of Drogba. If he's here he's come on holiday or for something personal. It's nothing to do with Barcelona."

Meanwhile, Drogba's representatives Sports PR Company earlier sent a tweet saying: "Drogba to Barca story complete nonsense. As we told you he joins Shanghai in July."

The 34-year-old Drogba, who confirmed his intention to leave Chelsea following their Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich, announced last Wednesday he had signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Shanghai Shenhua.

New Barca coach Tito Vilanova also said at his presentation earlier this month that the club were not looking to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer, with their main focus being on strengthening the defence.

Barca have been closely linked with Valencia full-back Jordi Alba and Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder Javi Martinez, but Rosell was giving little away when quizzed about the two Spain internationals at his press conference today.

He said of their pursuit of Alba: "I don't like that these negotiations are public, but they already are. Having said that, the value of Jordi Alba will be what we are ready to pay."

On Martinez, Rosell added: "Its down to the coaching team. In any case, if we had an interest in Javi Martinez, I wouldn't say so. If we didn't have any interest, I wouldn't say so either. I like negotiations to take place with prudence and in secret."

PA