Chelsea won't give up their pursuit of AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Daily Mail says the statement Ancelotti issued on Tuesday evening, when he said he had no desire to leave Milan, did not reflect the encouragement Chelsea received from his representatives during a meeting in Paris.

The developments on Tuesday left Stamford Bridge officials both 'stunned and unimpressed' but they will not close the door on one of the most respected coaches in Europe.

They will, however, continue to examine other options.

Luiz Felipe Scolari remains a strong contender, but reports in Italy suggest Roma's Luciano Spalletti, also on the shortlist, will reject Chelsea's advances.