Simeone quashes exit talk

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has distanced himself from rumours that he is to leave the club to join Chelsea at the end of the season.

Simeone is being touted as one of the favourites replace Jose Mourinho at Chelsea after the Portuguese manager left Stanford Bridge last week.

Guus Hiddink has been brought in on an interim basis, but it is still unclear who will manage the Blues next season.

Speaking to El Pais about his future on Monday, Simeone said, "Why can't I be here longer? Why did I choose a five-year contract? Because I see a club that is 'virgin' and Miguel Ángel [Gil Marín, the CEO] and Enrique [Cerezo, the president] have the ability to open up new sources to strengthen in. It's not easy to leave Atlético."

Atletico are currently joint leaders in La Liga with Barcelona despite their 1-0 loss at Malaga on Sunday night.