LONDON - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has brushed aside speculation that he is chasing Arsenal defender Ashley Cole.
Speaking after his side beat Birmingham 2-0 yesterday to reach the FA Cup fifth round, Mourinho said: "I have no time to meet players."
A British newspaper claimed that Mourinho and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had met the England left-back at a hotel.
Asked if he had been in contact with Cole, Mourinho said: "I never met the boy, I just play against him and no more than that."
Mourinho said he had met Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Adriano in Italy at the weekend to practise his Portuguese when he had been supposed to be speaking to Cole.
"I have a perfect squad, I don't need players this season. Next season I will need one or two."
Mourinho said it was club policy not to comment on speculation that has linked his club with players because of the spending power of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
"Every player who is a real good player or any agent who tries to improve the situation of his players, the player is always connected with Chelsea," he added.
The Premier League transfer window closes today.
- REUTERS
Soccer: Chelsea deny Cole interest
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