London, Feb 25 (IANS) Hollywood star George Clooney has denied selling his Lake Como villa in Laglio, Italy, to soccer ace David Backham and his wife Victoria.

Beckham, who is currently in the country on loan to top soccer club AC Milan, was rumoured to be in negotiations to buy the luxury $41.6 million property from the Hollywood actor.

'I have fallen in love with the beautiful countryside. It's peaceful, quiet and near Milan. It would be great for the family', contactmusic.com quoted him saying.

But Clooney has been quick to dismiss the claims, insisting they are 'made up'.

'To complete the news cycle: I am not buying an island and am not selling my house in Italy. The story was made up, then picked up and now denied', Clooney said.