MANCHESTER CITY have not made an approach for Sergi Roberto despite talk of a bid for the Barcelona star.
The Spaniard’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg has denied any suggestion that his client will leave the Camp Nou.
Sergi Roberto is set to stay despite Barcelona planning a clear out this summerCredit: USA TODAY Sports
After reports that Roberto will be offered to City in their move for young defender Eric Garcia, Orobitg stated the right-back’s intention to stay with the Catalans.
Manchester Evening News quote the agent as saying: “Sergi Roberto has no plans to leave Barcelona.
“Now there are no clubs showing interest and Barcelona have not submitted any proposals for the player to us.”
Pep Guardiola has long been described as a big fan of Roberto, 28, having given the La Masia product his debut back in 2010.
Capable of playing in central midfield and the right side of defence, he is arguably the last academy player to come through Barcelona’s famous youth system and establish a long-term place in the first-team.
According to Sport, City wanted to bring Roberto to Manchester when discussing Garcia’s future with the LaLiga side at the end of the season.
It is said that Barcelona would prefer to let fellow right-back Nelson Semedo go as they attempt to push down their mammoth wage bill over the summer.
Guardiola stated last month his desire to keep Garcia with just one year left on the centre-back’s contract.
He said: “We are going to try convince him to stay here for many, many, many years.”
With Orobitg, who also represents Guardiola, denying any City link to Roberto, MEN believe the club are focusing their efforts elsewhere.
Defenders Pau Torres, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Dias are reportedly Pep’s priorities after signing Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
