Madrid, Barcelona deny doping links

News:Real Madrid and Barcelona have both moved to deny suggestions they have worked with the controversial Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes.

Fuentes, who is being investigated in a judicial inquiry into doping in cycling, claims he has worked with unnamed Primera Liga football clubs.

Real yesterday put a statement on their website: "Real Madrid want to deny in a forthright way any link, direct or indirect, of the club's medical services with Dr Eufemiano Fuentes."

The club went on to say they considered their record exemplary in their 104-year history and reserved the right to take legal action.

Barcelona posted a statement on their website: "FC Barcelona categorically deny the information published today by the French paper Le Mondein relation to a supposed and non-existent use of the services of the Dr Eufemiano Fuentes with the club and a supposed and non-existing specific link with the club's preparation plans last season (and) reserves legal means it considers convenient in defence of the club's interests."

Fuentes did not name clubs in the interview with Le Mondebut told the paper: "I have worked with Primera Liga and Segunda Division Spanish clubs.

"I have worked with several clubs . . . sometimes sharing my knowledge with club doctors."

Asked if he had worked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, Fuentes replied: "I cannot reply. I have been threatened with death.

"I have been told, if I say certain things, myself or my family could have severe problems."

Fuentes also said: "I was given an offer by an Italian club but I rejected it."

Valencia have denied having any involvement with Fuentes.

• Striker Andriy Shevchenko has denied saying he was prepared to leave Chelsea because his style of play did not suit Jose Mourinho.

Shevchenko (30) was reported by yesterday's Daily Mirroras saying: "I feel at home at Chelsea, and it's felt like my team for a long time, but unfortunately my game doesn't suit Mourinho."

Chelsea said the quotes had been mistranslated from an interview in a Russian magazine.

In a statement, Shevchenko said: "I give 100 per cent all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea. I have total respect for the Chelsea club and fans."

• Sevilla director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo insists there has been no contact with Chelsea following reports linking the club with full back Daniel Alves.

Alves has been the source of much transfer speculation, but Verdejo said Sevilla had reached an agreement with Alves about a new contract.