South Korea striker Ahn Jung-hwan could soon join Spanish first division club Atletico Madrid, a Japanese newspaper reported on Friday.

However, his J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse have been quick to play down the report, saying: "It's news to us."

Ahn, who helped co-hosts South Korea reach the semi-finals of the World Cup last year, could complete a $3.1 million move to Atletico as early as next week, according to the Nikkan Sports.

The 26-year-old had his heart set on a move to English premier league club Blackburn Rovers last August until the deal broke down due to visa problems.

Now Ahn, who subsequently joined S-Pulse on a one-year contract in September, has apparently chosen Atletico despite attracting interest from a number of clubs including Greek side Olimpiakos, Italian Serie A club Brescia and Bastia of France [ Images ].

But S-Pulse officials insisted they have not received an offer from Atletico.

"We have heard nothing whatsoever regarding Ahn Jung-hwan. S-Pulse have had no contact (with Atletico) at all," S-Pulse spokesman Kazuyoshi Nishizawa told Reuters.

If Ahn, who famously scored the golden goal that knocked Italy [ Images ] out of the World Cup, does leave midway through his current contract it would only add to the problems facing new S-Pulse manager Takeshi Oki.

Japan [ Images ] World Cup duo Kazuyuki Toda and Daisuke Ichikawa are currently in Europe on two-week trials with Sunderland and Strasbourg respectively and an exodus of internationals could result in another season of frustration for S-Pulse.

The Shizuoka club finished a disappointing 12th in the J-League second stage under Yugoslav manager Zdravko Zemunovic last season.