Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is "no foundation" to reports linking him with a move for Frank Lampard.
Reports in newspapers on Friday morning had claimed that United were lining up a £10million bid for the 33-year-old in a bid to strengthen their midfield for the second half of the season.
It had been reported that United chief executive David Gill had sounded out the Blues about a possible deal and that Lampard was open to a move to Old Trafford.
But speaking just a few hours after the reports emerged, Ferguson said he would not expect Chelsea to sell the England international - especially to a rival club.
"Do you really think Chelsea would sell to United in January?" said the Scot.
"There's no foundation in that.
"Chelsea want to do something in the second half of the season so they want to keep their best players."
Ferguson also reiterated that he is not planning to add to his squad this month unless a long-term target becomes available.
He added: "What can you get in January? I've said this many times now. The players we'd like we can't get.
"If the alternative is to sign a second-rate player, we don't want to do that.
"Our injuries have led to fans wanting us to sign someone, but I don't want to sign a player who won't get a game when everyone's fit because he's not good enough."
United continue to be linked with a move for Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder (see below).
