Newly crowned Champions of Spain Barcelona have denied all rumours linking Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand with a multi-million pound move to the Nou Camp.

The England international defender has also been strongly linked with a switch to Premiership champions Chelsea in recent weeks and was even spotted dining with the Blues' Chief Executive Peter Kenyon in various restaurants.

Ferdinand, who has captained the Red Devils on a few occasions this season, is apparently unhappy with his current contract and has taken more than enough time contemplating putting pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Barca director Txiki Beguiristain put to bed any rumours that Frank Rijkaard requires Ferdinand's services. ''Barcelona do not normally comment on speculation published in the papers," he said.

''But on this occasion I will say that we're not interested in Rio Ferdinand.

''Our objectives for next season are in different places.'' 

Meanwhile, Barcelona were held to a 3-3 draw by Villarreal on the weekend as former Old Trafford striker Diego Forlan netted a very impressive hat-trick.