Chelsea coy on £52m bid for Atletico aces

It is understood there is no truth to Miguel Angel Gil's assertion that the Premier League champions attempted an audacious double-swoop for the duo in the past week.

Chelsea refused to comment on the claims, a spokesman saying: "We never comment on transfer speculation, no matter how wild it is."

However, it is understood the Blues made no attempt to sign striker Aguero or defender Godin.

Gil also claimed he turned down a £39m bid for Argentina international Aguero from city rivals Real Madrid. He said: "In the last week, we have received two offers.

"One from Real for Aguero for 345m and the other from Chelsea for Aguero and Diego Godin for 360m. Atletico have said no to the two offers because they believe in these two players."

Chelsea have previously been linked with Aguero (22) who joined debt-laden Atletico from Independiente in 2006.

Houllier vows to kick on with Villa's revival

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has promised to maintain the momentum following another crucial victory.

The mood at Villa Park has been transformed in the past week following the £24m signing of Darren Bent from Sunderland.

Bent sparked the resurgence with a debut strike in Saturday's uplifting Premier League win against Manchester City and Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young followed up with the winning goals at Wigan last night.

The 2-1 victory was completed after withstanding a late Wigan fightback in which Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy found the net having just returned to the starting line-up following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The win lifted Houllier's men six points clear of the relegation zone and the Frenchman said: "The Manchester City game was very important psychologically for us, for many reasons.

"But we have got to stay focused and keep working, we don't take anything for granted in this league.

"Any team can beat any team."