Real Madrid's continued pursuit of Europe’s top striking talent paused for a moment on Wednesday when new president Florentino Perez cast doubt on his side's prospects of signing Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery.

"Ribery belongs to Bayern and [the club] does not want to sell," he said. "Therefore I have to be respectful to the club. It is another thing if they change their mind."

It would therefore seem fair to assume that Real will step up their "respectful" pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Manchester United don't want to sell either.

Over at the other club in Madrid, Atletico, sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has dismissed any approach for star striker Diego Forlan or Argentina forward Sergio Aguero.

Forlan has been linked with Barcelona and Aguero with a £40m move to Chelsea, but Garcia Pitarch said: "They have a very strong commitment to the club."

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has ruled out selling Javier Mascherano after the Argentina international's agent was quoted as saying the midfielder was keen to join Barcelona.

However, Benitez, who has had his transfer budget slashed amid Liverpool's cash crisis, has dismissed the idea and insisted Mascherano not for sale. "Mascherano has no price," Rafa insisted. "Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club."

Clarence Seedorf has insisted that although it is "beautiful news, that [Carlo] Ancelotti wants me in London" the 33-year-old has ruled out following his former boss to Premier League club Chelsea.

Seedorf played for six and a half years under Ancelotti at Milan. Together they won two Champions League titles, the Club World Cup, two European Super Cups, the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercoppa.

Two players who do seem eager to quit Serie A are AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Inter Milan defender Maicon.

Following Kaka's departure for Real Madrid Chelsea target Pirlo said: "We have taken Kaka's exit badly. We'll see if I leave. For now, no, but looking ahead we will see."

Maicon, among Serie A's best players, is even more unhappy. "For three years Inter have treated me with indifference, maybe because they are worried about keeping Ibrahimovic happy," the Brazilian said. "I'm searching for joy, at Inter or another club."

In other news today... Brazilian centre-back Luisao has admitted that he has talked with international colleague Robinho about the prospect of moving to Manchester City. However, Robinho is reportedly seeking a move to Barcelona.