Real dismissing Rivaldo talk

Although the grapevine now has Barcelona goal wizard Rivaldo headed to Real Madrid, Los Blancos sports director Jorge Valdano says that is news to him.

With the signing of Juan Roman Riquelme, Barca have one non-EU player above the limit, spurring rumours of a free transfer.

"There is no Rivaldo situation as far as we're concerned," dismissed Valdano. "Rivaldo is a Barcelona player and this is all just newspaper speculation.”

"If Rivaldo were to become free that could interest us, though - We're always interested in the world's best players."

Real defender Michel Salgado also expressed his utter disdain for all the talk.

"I don't believe in that sort of rumour", he blared. "This is bull---- from the media.”

”However, if he was to walk away for free, it would mean our world has gone mad.”