Carlo keeps Rooney counsel

Carlo Ancelotti would not be drawn on whether Chelsea would show an interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

England international Rooney's future at United has been plunged into doubt following the breakdown of talks regarding a new contract.

The situation has led to reports that the Red Devils could sell Rooney either in January or at the end of the season, rather than risk losing the 24-year-old for nothing when his deal expires in 2012.

Chelsea, along with United's local rivals Manchester City, are one of a handful of clubs who would be able to afford both a sizeable transfer fee and mammoth wages for Rooney.

However, speaking ahead of the Blues' UEFA Champions League tie against Spartak Moscow, Ancelotti refused to discuss any interest in bringing Rooney to Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti said: "I cannot really give an answer about this. It's not a good moment to talk about this.

"Rooney is a Manchester United player and he has some problem at this moment, but the club has experience and when a big team has top players like Rooney, they want to keep him in the squad.

"If you want to know what players Chelsea want to buy and how much money they want to spend on players you should ask Roman (Abramovich, Chelsea owner) directly."