.....Rijkaard rubbishes reports

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has rubbished reports suggesting that he is planning to swoop for out-of-contract defender Marcel Desailly even though the player and and Barcelona president Joan Laporta had previously confirmed that talks had taken place with the former France international.

Rijkaard: "This is the first time I've heard about Marcel Desailly coming to the club to boost the team," he said.

Meanwhile Laporta has now adjusted his previous statement that the 36-year-old could be a solution to their injury problems that have seen Edmilson, Thiago Motta and Gabri have all suffered cruciate knee ligament damage. "Contacts have been made but Desailly does not interest us," he said.

On Thursday Desailly stated: "Barcelona contacted me and made an offer. We are going to think about it."