Real Madrid have denied reports they have approached Inter Milan striker Adriano with a view to signing the Brazilian international.
The Madrid-based sports press has been reporting that the 23-year-old has been targeted by club president Florentino Perez as his next high-profile "Galactico" recruit.
"Given the appearance of recent reports that Real Madrid are interested in Adriano the club would like to make it clear that they have not had any direct or indirect contact with the player," read an official statement on the club's website on Wednesday.
"Nor have Real Madrid had any contact with any intermediary or representative of the player.
"Whenever Real Madrid are interested in a player they always make contact with the player's club first."
Press speculation in Spain reached fever pitch this week after the player hinted that he would like to join Real in the future in an interview given to Spanish television station Canal Plus.
"Right now it would be very difficult for me (to play for Real Madrid) because I'm a very important player for Inter," said Adriano.
"I want to stay here and win a title and then maybe play at Real Madrid in the future.
"I'm very happy and thankful because he (Real Madrid president Florentino Perez) has got a soft spot for me and I hope that one day I'll be able to realise both his and my dream," he added.
"He follows my games and is interested in getting me to join his club and you have to be grateful for that sort of interest. I can't close doors to anyone."
Inter president Giacinto Facchetti insisted that there was no question of Adriano leaving the Serie A club.
"Adriano is an Inter player and he isn't moving from here," he was quoted as saying by the Spanish media. "We are getting a little tired of the reports that keep arriving from Spain."
Top scorer in Brazil's victorious Copa America campaign last year, Adriano has been in outstanding form for Inter, scoring 14 goals in the league this season and seven in the Champions League.
Real have Adriano's Brazil team mate Ronaldo on their books and are in negotiations to sign Santos forward Robinho.
