Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho offered a cryptic answer when asked about his pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney this morning. Mourinho is preparing his team to face the Singha All-stars in Thailand.

"This is a period when the big clubs and their managers are connected with everything," Mourinho said. "Until August 31, that's the oldest story in football, rumours and rumours.

"At the end, something comes true. But at this moment I am so happy with the people I have that I'm not thinking of other players. And if I have to think of others I think of those on holiday who join us on July 28.

"The first part of my job is to get the best form these players and push the young boys to the levels they can reach.

"Until August 31 we will see if we can sign anyone who can improve our squad, but my focus and ambition is to work with these guys. I can say it's a pleasure to work with them. I was missing this fantastic working relation. Not just for them, but for me. After a week I'm still the happy one because my boys were fantastic."