VIENNA — Spain coach Luis Aragones denied reports Wednesday that he signed a deal with Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Aragones says he was baffled by an announcement by the Istanbul team saying it had entered a "preliminary contract" with him.
"I don't understand it because Luis hasn't signed anything with anyone," Aragones said.
Asked about what the news from Fenerbahce would mean for Spain ahead of its Euro 2008 semifinal against Russia on Thursday, he said: "I don't think it's going to affect the team at all."
Aragones also denied he had been offered an extension to stay on as coach for Spain.
The Istanbul team said on its Web site Wednesday it made contact with Aragones and his four assistants and entered into a preliminary contract. The two-year agreement will be finalized after the end of the tournament, the club said.
"Aragones will work as Fenerbahce's new coach after the Euro 2008 finals," the club said.
When Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta and Joan Capdevila were asked to comment on the announcement by Fenerbahce, the players all turned their heads to the team press officer, who shook her head, and no one answered the question.
The timing of the announcement was a surprise given that Aragones was preparing for the semifinal.
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