Pirates deny Ljungberg link

Orlando Pirates have distanced themselves from reports suggesting they are looking to sign former Arsenal midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg.

The Swedish midfielder’s desire to play in the South African Premier Soccer League has been confirmed by his agent Walid Bouzid.

Speculation the 35-year-old player would sign with the Pirates and reunite with former Premier League players – Benni McCarthy and Luis Boa Morte – heightened recently after Bouzid revealed Ljungberg would travel to South Africa for talks with at least three local clubs.

Speaking to KickOff.com on Thursday, Orlando Pirates spokesperson Mickey Modisane denied the club was considering signing Ljungberg.

“No, we are not going to talk to Ljungberg – not to my knowledge,” Modisane said.

“Right now we are focusing on making sure we win our last remaining matches in the league so this is not the right time to be thinking about contract issues.”