Bates: Ranieri staying put

Ranieri has apparently not even spoken to Barca

Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has insisted that manager Claudio Ranieri has no interest in joining Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Catalan club claim they have held talks with Ranieri about the possibility of taking over from Carles Rexach this summer.

But Bates met Ranieri on Sunday and said the Italian is keen to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

It's funny really - first there's a campaign to get Claudio fired and now one of the biggest clubs in Europe want him

Ken Bates
Chelsea chairman

"I'm quite sure Barcelona would consider Claudio as one of their possibilities if they do change their manager," Bates said.

"But he ain't going there, it's as simple as that.

"We discussed an extension to his contract for another two years which would enable him to see through the job that he wants to do."

Bates said that Ranieri had had "no communication with Barcelona at all".

The Italian does not have an agent and Barcelona had apparently only contacted an "acquaintance" of his.

Bates said that Ranieri had some big plans for Chelsea.

"Claudio is enjoying doing his job here, he feels that he has turned the team from the one he inherited into his own side," said Bates.

"He wants to extend the scouting and youth policy. He wants to bring in younger players who are hungry for success with lots of heart.

"Claudio would like three or four outstanding international players to provide experience and leadership. The rest he wants to be young lions.

"It's funny really. First of all there's been a campaign to get Claudio fired and now one of the biggest clubs in Europe want him as he's so good."