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Ancelotti pours scorn on Sanchez reports

Carlo Ancelott is remaining coy over Chelsea's transfer activity © PA Photos

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Carlo Ancelotti was in no mood to expand on possible transfer targets in his weekly press conference as he denied that the club have made contact with Udinese over Alexis Sanchez, refused to elaborate on Chelsea's pursuit of David Luiz and rejected reports that he had met with Steven Pienaar prior to the player joining Tottenham.

Chelsea are yet to strengthen their squad in January but they have been linked with a number of players from across the continent, including Udinese star Sanchez, 22. The Italian club have claimed that talks have taken place but this was quickly rejected by Ancelotti on Friday.

"It's not true that we've spoken with the owner of Udinese," Ancelotti said. "I don't like to speak about this because it's confidential."

Chelsea were confirmed suitors for Pienaar, who this week opted to sign for Tottenham. It had been suggested that a meeting between the player and Ancelotti played a role in his decision to go to White Hart Lane, but the Italian clarified that no such meeting took place.

"I've never met Steven Pienaar in my life," Ancelotti said. "I didn't search [for] Steven Pienaar to come here to play for Chelsea. We don't need a midfielder - we have fantastic midfielders here already."

One area that Chelsea will attempt to reinforce is their defence, and they have failed with a succession of bids for Benfica star Luiz, who has been valued at £25 million by his Portuguese employers.

Ancelotti did not deny his interest in the player, but would not speculate as to whether the Brazil international would become a member of his squad. "Until now, there's no news," he said. "David Luiz is not here and will not be available for the game. So it's not right to speak about this.

"I'm waiting until the end of the transfer window. If there are new players, it means we needed those new players. If there are not, we didn't need them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.