Ranieri goes cool on Veron

Claudio Ranieri today played down speculation that the next player on Chelsea's hit list is Juan Sebastian Veron.

Ranieri, speaking in Malaysia where Chelsea play the national team tomorrow, is known to be an admirer of Manchester United's Argentine star but said today: "Speculation is okay, it's normal, but that's all it is. When Chelsea sign another player, we will tell you."

Veron's salary demands of £95,000 a week seem to have cooled Chelsea's interest in the player, who has now declared that he wants to stay and fight for his place at United.

The 28-year-old said: "It has never been my intention to leave United.

"I want to stay and I have made my intentions clear."

Ranieri also denied that he wants to sign Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri but said the club, who have spent £37million so far on four players, are keen to further strengthen midfield, despite the additions of Damien Duff and Geremi.

Duff and fellow newcomer Wayne Bridge could figure at some stage in tomorrow night's Asia Cup match at Malaysia's national Bukit Jalil Stadium, but Ranieri said: "I would like to check everything tomorrow before I make the final decision."

He will also wait to check on the fitness of Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini and midfielder Mario Stanic.