Chelsea have ended their interest in Carlo Ancelotti, according to Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been searching for a new boss since they sacked Avram Grant last month with Ancelotti tipped as one of the main contenders.

However, Galliani insisted last week he would be staying at Milan.

And Galliani claims, after speaking to Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon this week, the Blues are now looking elsewhere.

He said today: "It's true that Chelsea were interested in Ancelotti, I knew it too.

"But in the end Ancelotti said no.

"Peter Kenyon spoke to me and has reiterated that as long as Milan will not let Ancelotti go, they will not take any action. They are very correct and we maintain a good rapport.

"Chelsea will announce their new coach soon but no, I will not tell you if he is Italian."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli and former Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini have all been linked with the job.