Lee Westwood has denied reports of a rift between himself and Rory McIlroy, a week before the Ryder Cup begins in Chicago.

Speculation this summer suggested that Westwood harboured ill feelings towards McIlroy after the Northern Irishman left the management company that represented both players.

However, Westwood has dismissed the reports, claiming that he would "love" to partner McIlroy for Europe at Medinah Country Club.

The former world number one told The Telegraph: "There is nothing there. Fans must watch us having banter on the course thinking 'so where is this grudge?' So he left the management company I'm with. So what? It was a business decision. There is nothing personal with me.

"There is nothing between us personally that would get in the way.

"Who wouldn't want to play with Rory when he's in this nick? I'd love to. It'd be good. In fact, it would probably be way better than good, particularly in the four balls. We'd make a ton of birdies."

Both players will be competing in the Tour Championship in Atlanta this week before joining up with the other members of the European team.