Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino insists he’s not interested in VfL Wolfsburg play-maker Diego.
The Brazilian international, capped 28 times, is out of contract in the summer.
Reports suggest he will not be offered a renewal and could even leave in January.
Atlético de Madrid, where he spent the 2011-12 season on loan and won the Europa League, have been linked, along with Arsenal and Southampton. Pochettino, however, denies any interest.
“Of course we know of him, as we know of any other players,” he told the Daily Echo.
“But that piece of news doesn’t make any sense, because Southampton is not interested in him.
“We have also seen this news in Spanish media, so I don’t really know where these rumours come from.”
Diego came to prominence at Santos, winning the Brasileirão in 2002 and 2004. He joined Porto in July of that year, but struggled, despite lifting four trophies, including the 2005-06 Primeira Liga.
Porto sold him to Werder Bremen in May 2006 for €6 million. His form in Germany was much better and tempted Juventus into paying €24.5 million for his services in May 2009.
Diego lasted just a season with the Bianconeri, joining VfL Wolfsburg for €15.5 million in August 2010.
The 28 year-old has made 12 appearances for the Bundesliga side this season, scoring once.
