Gareth Bale is odds-on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award after his sensational start to the season. See all the best odds at easyodds.com

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports that Chelsea are lining up Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to replace him as manager.

Speculation over the weekend claimed that Blues owner Roman Abramovich wanted Guardiola to succeed Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge.

Ray Wilkins was fired as Ancelotti’s assistant earlier this month and, on Saturday, the club confirmed Frank Arnesen would be leaving his position as sporting director at the end of the season.

Former Barcelona technical director Txiki Beguiristain has been touted as a replacement for Arnesen and that has prompted the rumours concerning Guardiola.

However, Ancelotti was unwilling to be drawn into discussions about his future.

“I have heard of Pep Guardiola, to be frank,” said Ancelotti.

“But you don’t have to ask me – the coach is always the last to know. Don’t ask me.

“We are not interested. We focus on our training and our matches.”

Ancelotti also laughed off the claims that Chelsea are aiming to appoint Beguiristain as Arnesen’s successor.

The Italian said: “I don’t know this name. I think there was a player at Barcelona, but I don’t know what job he is doing now.”

Gareth Bale is odds-on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award after his sensational start to the season. See all the best odds at easyodds.com

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