The reported Romanian coach Octavian Belu's possible move to China is not guaranteed, a Chinese gymnastics official said on Wednesday.

Chinese team leader Zhang Peiwen told Xinhua during the ongonig world championships that the Chinese Gymnastics Association did have contacts with the legendary coach, who led Romanian women's team to gold at last year's Athens Olympics but resigned in August.

Zhang, however, stressed the contact was only through a third party and the two sides had no direct dialogue yet.

"Beru is going to visit China and lecture our coaches. The situation is like that and no further plan has been decided up to now," he said.

Speculation ran high in Romanian media last week that Belu and his assistant Mariana Bitang were in close contact with the Chinese Gymnastics Association.

Bitang refused to reveal details about the contacts on a mutual understanding to keep "confidential", as Reuters reported on Monday.

But Belu told local media about the most advanced negotiations are with the Chinese Gymnastics Association, a story carried on Bucharest Daily News.

"The Chinese wish for excellent results in the 2008 Olympics.

That's why they've already started preparing," Belu said, explaining that he and Bitang will go to Asia at the beginning of next year to analyze the opportunities and the potential of the Chinese Olympic team.

"If we reach an agreement with the Asians we'll work as technical managers and we'll also have a layout of strategies as well as programs."

The long-time coaching partners will discuss for overseas job opportunities during their vacation in Italy this week.

The technician declared neither him nor Bitang will rush into making a decision.

"We'll decide after January 2006," said Belu, who is also linked to lucrative offers from the United States, South Africa and Qatar.

As to whether he's planning to run for the Romanian Gymnastics Federation presidency, Belu said he has more to offer as a coach and he wants to continue in this field.

Although he was said to be on bad terms with the national federation, he seemed to woo local media and the public.

Belu resigned for the first time in January after 2002 world silver medallist Oana Petrovschi sought more than 50,000 dollars in compensation. She accused them of demanding some of her prize money and forcing her to train despite a back injury.

Petrovschi dropped her claims after a sponsor offered the compensation and the two coaches came back in the training hall.

They finally decided to give up national mission after the triple Olympic gold medallist Catalina Ponor and team mate Floarea Leonida went to a Bucharest nightclub without their permission. Then the team was announced disbanded.

Belu has coached the Romanian national squad since 1981. The outstanding results he and Bitang achieved made them one of the most prestigious coaching duo world wide.

Along with the team they have obtained more than 250 international medals.

Source: Xinhua