Premiership: Desailly plays down United link

Marcel Desailly has played down reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

It had been suggested that United had targeted the France and Chelsea captain for a move to Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson's side have conceded 25 goals in 15 games since the start of the season, the third-worst defensive record in the Premiership.

But the 33-year-old defender extinguished any hopes the Red Devils might have had on his personal website www.marcel-desailly.com, stating: "The rumours haven't ceased announcing that I am going to Manchester United.

"I do not know where these rumours came from but I am sure that they come from a traditional case of gossip.

"It just leaves me quiet, this false information and I refuse to speak with anyone about it, and it is no use trying to talk to me about it."

Desailly insists his sole focus is to make a swift and full recovery from his Achilles injury.

"My only concern is to return quickly and quietly to winning ways with Chelsea.

"I am nearly restored to 100% fitness and God-willing, I will be back with my team-mates and involved at Chelsea next week.

"I will not play, unfortunately, against Liverpool, but I hope that my tests will show that I am fit again."