Charlton no to Batistuta

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley has dismissed talk of Gabriel Batistuta moving to The Valley.

The 34-year-old Argentina striker wants to join a London club from Inter Milan, where is on loan from Roma, but is struggling to attract interest because of his wage demands and recent poor form.

His representatives have been offering him around the Premiership but so far they have not found any takers.

Curbishley said: "People have spoken to us about Batistuta and we know he is out there like a lot of players, but we haven't pursued it.

"We are looking to bring players into the club in the summer and the speculation will carry on."

Meanwhile, Paul Konchesky says they are keen to be the team that derails Manchester United's charge towards the Premiership title.

Arsenal's only chance of catching Sir Alex Ferguson's side is if United slip up in their last two games and Alan Curbishley's team are relishing the chance to have an impact on the championship race at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Konchesky, 21, said: "If United beat us this Saturday, the title race will practically be over, so a win or a draw for Charlton will make things interesting and that's got to be a good incentive for us to do well. We always play to win anyway, but I don't mind admitting that a shock win over United would be a great thing for us to enjoy.

"Personally I'd prefer to see United win the league, but if we work our socks off at Old Trafford and take the chances that will definitely come our way, we could do Arsenal a massive favour."

Team-mate Chris Powell insists speculation that he is considering retiring at the end of the season is misplaced.

He is a free agent in the summer and has been haggling with Charlton over the length of a new deal. Powell, 33, said: "I've every hope of signing a new deal to keep me at The Valley.

"I've definitely not got any plans to retire and I feel I've got at least two more good years in me."