Agent plays down Buffon link

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is unlikely to leave Juventus at least until next summer, according to his agent.

A member of Buffon's entourage had raised the possibility that the World Cup winning custodian could move to Chelsea following the long-term injury to Petr Cech but Silvano Martina, who has represented Buffon for 12 years, believes such a move is unlikely although he admits the player is "honoured" with the link and that Juve would be tempted by any offer.

"Officially there has been no contact so far. We are very saddened with what has happened to goalkeeper Cech," Martina said. "It's normal that a great club like Chelsea would show an interest or would be interested in one of the top goalkeepers in the world."

Martina admits that a Chelsea bid would be tempting for Juventus.

He said: "If Chelsea were to make an offer it would be very difficult for any club to reject it."

However, Martina believes that Buffon remains firmly committed to the Turin club despite their relegation to Serie B for match-fixing.

Martina continued: "Gianluigi's very happy at Juventus. He had lots of offers in Italy and elsewhere this summer and turned them down.

"But he made a decision to stay in Turin because he wanted to repay the club for helping him become famous and being one of the best in the world."