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Italy captain Cannavaro, 33, followed up his World Cup success in 2006 with a Liga triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu. However the departure from Madrid of his former coach at Juventus Fabio Capello led to speculation that he would move on.

"The offer was there, but we postponed everything because of Real Madrid's wishes," Gaetano Fedele said.

"They have won a championship and hence I don't think there is a possibility he will leave Madrid.

"I reiterate it's highly unlikely that Fabio will leave Real Madrid, at least [during] this year."

Cannavaro is contracted to Madrid for the next two seasons - and Fedele said that incoming Merengues boss Bernd Schuster is a big fan of the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year.

"From what I have read, Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has been clear in saying that Fabio is untouchable," he continued.

"Fabio is in Madrid where he has adapted very well. Let's not forget that Madrid are the most prestigious club in the world.

"Fabio's wish is to win the Champions League and the only team that can let him do that is Real Madrid."

Chelsea are keen to sign additional cover in defence despite capturing Tal Ben Haim from Bolton, having been forced to use midfielders at the back last season when key players were injured.

Meanwhile Blues boss Jose Mourinho, speaking during the club's tour of the United States, suggested that winger Arjen Robben will stay at Stamford Bridge and not complete a prospective move to the Spanish champions.

"The latest with Robben is that he played the game [against Suwon Bluewings]. I cannot tell you more than that," he said.

"At the moment he is a Chelsea player with two more years of contract and he is working well.

"For me, he is a player like [John] Terry or [Frank] Lampard, with two more years of contract [to run].

"I look at him as a Chelsea player. I am happy with the situation."

Madrid have other ideas. Club president Ramon Calderon stated that the Netherlands international was keen to join the club.

"The player has already signalled his interest, but there is no agreement with Chelsea," Calderon told radio station Onda Cero.

"It's a negotiation that will continue over the following days or weeks, and if the situation is right economically, he is a player who could join us."

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport