Chelsea Deal Was Close For Rosicky

Last updated : 01 February 2004 By Liam Corbett

The Borussia Dortmund star is recognised as one of the best young playmakers in European football and Chelsea look set to fend off interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona to clinch his signature.

"We were not far away," admitted Rosicky, but he dismissed claims saying that The Blues had made a bid of €30 million for him.

"That is absolute rubbish," he added.

"I am not going to speculate, I am standing firm and concentrating on Borussia."

Rosicky's agent Pavel Paska reiterated that a deal could be struck in the summer.

"We could not agree in the end, but there were a lot of negotiations and it could happen in the summer."

Chelsea are more likely to get his signature in the summer, as well as that of goalkeeper Peter Cech.