Roman denies F1 link

Roman Abramovich has denied he has been in talks with Eddie Jordan over the purchase of the Irishman's Formula One motor racing team.

And Chelsea have again been linked with a number of players, including a new bid for Christian Vieri. But they may face opposition from Manchester United for the Italian.

The Russian billionaire owner of Chelsea was said to have met Jordan several times before Christmas and was preparing a bid to buy F1 team Jordan. Today however, John Mann, a spokesman for Abramovich, said: "There is nothing in this.

"At the moment Roman is being linked with bids to buy anything from a shopping centre to another football team.

"When anything is up for sale his name is being connected with it and it gets a little nasty after a time.

"It is true that Roman enjoys F1 and has met Eddie several times but that's it.

"Roman has also met with Bernie Ecclestone but that doesn't mean he's going to buy his house." Mann added: "We just want to lay all these rumours to rest."

Meanwhile, it is being reported this morning that Chelsea are about to pip Newcastle to the signing of Ajax's highly-rated defender Hatem Trabelsi.

It is claimed Chelsea are close to signing the Tunisian right-back for £4million and that he will come to England in the next few days to agree the deal.

It would be a surprising move, though, given the £6m signing of Glen Johnson in the summer and the fact Mario Melchiot and Geremi can cover the position.

There are also new reports that both Chelsea, and Manchester United, have enquired about Vieri. Chelsea made a £25m bid for the Inter Milan striker in the summer but the Italian giants refused to sell.

Now Inter president Massimo Moratti is quoted as saying: "United have been in contact but they are not the only ones interested in Christian."

Chelsea have been linked regularly with another move for Vieri. They are also being linked with the giant Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech at Rennes.

The 21-year-old has also been a target for Tottenham but his agent has claimed he was in London last week negotiating a deal, with a fee of £7.5m being mentioned.