Other soccer stories in brief

MANCHESTER UNITED:Cristiano Ronaldo has once again refused to discuss his future with Manchester United amid continued speculation that he is desperate for a move to Real Madrid.

Speaking at a press conference in Switzerland yesterday where Portugal are preparing for their Euro 2008 quarter-final against Germany tomorrow, Ronaldo reiterated his unwillingness to discuss club affairs until his country's interest in the tournament is ended.

"Before the last last game I already told you I don't want to discuss my future because I am concentrated on the Germany game," he said through an interpreter. "I will talk about it at the end of the European Championship."

Fifa, world football's governing body, yesterday rejected United's official complaint over what they felt was the Spanish club's attempt to unsettle the winger through the press.

LIVERPOOL:Co-owner Tom Hicks has warned Chelsea even a world-record transfer fee would not tempt him to sell striker Fernando Torres.

Torres (24) is reported to be a transfer target for new Chelsea manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, after a 33-goal haul in his first season at Anfield.

It was claimed at the weekend that the Champions League finalists were preparing a €50 million bid, but American Hicks is adamant that even if Roman Abramovich offered to exceed the €60 million Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001, he would not contemplate doing business.

"There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres," Hicks said. "The Chelsea rumours in the media are total rubbish."

BARCELONA:Ronaldinho (28), Deco (30) and Samuel Eto'o (27) do not feature in Pep Guardiola's plans at Barcelona, the Primera Liga club's new coach said yesterday.

"We are putting a team together and they (Ronaldinho, Deco and Eto'o) aren't in our thoughts but we'll see what happens," Guardiola said at his official presentation.

"This comes from analysing questions of performance, seasons they have had in the team, and other intangibles.

"We are looking for a number nine who will complement Thierry Henry and Bojan Krkic, so that the three will all feel like first choices," Guardiola added.

CELTIC:Striker Scott McDonald (24) has signed a new five-year contract with the Scottish champions.

The Australian finished as the Scottish Premier League's top scorer with 25 goals in his first season with Celtic, who he joined from Motherwell in a €880,000 deal last summer.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: The Premier League club yesterday confirmed Chris Mort has stepped down as chairman after a year in the job.

He has been replaced by his recently-appointed deputy Derek Llambias, who will have the new title of managing director.