Beijing: Hebei China Fortune denied rumours that they are offering millions to sign star international footballers such as Lionel Messi from Barcelona and James Rodriguez and Pepe from Real Madrid, Chinese media reported on Thursday.

In recent weeks, reports have linked Pepe with this Chinese side as his contract with the record European champions Real Madrid ends in June, reports Efe.

The Chinese club president Jerry Zhao said he will only sign foreign players at the request of Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, who previously coached teams like Villarreal, Real Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City.

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The team's sports director, Fu Qiang, emphasised that the club will not stop looking for options.