Chelsea warned off Lavezzi

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has warned Chelsea they would waste their time making an offer for their Argentinian striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Reports in England claim Chelsea are keen to lure the 23-year-old forward to Stamford Bridge as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Lavezzi has established himself as one of the top young strikers in Europe since arriving at the San Paolo from San Lorenzo last summer and Chelsea are thought to be willing to offer €13million to acquire his services.

When asked about Chelsea's reported interest on Lavezzi, Marino said: "I know nothing regarding that story.

"But I would not advise Chelsea to make any offer because we would turn it down immediately."

Lavezzi, who was a member of Argentina's gold medal team at the Beijing Olympics this summer, has scored one goal in three appearances for the Serie A outfit this campaign.

The South American sensation joined Napoli from San Lorenzo last summer and is under contract until the 2011-12 campaign.