Franck Kessie's agent has poured cold water on reports that the midfielder has been made available for transfer by Barcelona.
The Ivory Coast international only joined the LaLiga giants from AC Milan last summer. But he struggled for starts since his arrival at the Nou Camp, though he was a regular in Xavi's team as they won the Spanish title for the first time in four years.
Barca are now thought to be open to selling the 26-year-old as they look to raise funds for another summer of spending. The LaLiga champions remain in financial difficulties, with a major upgrade forcing them to play away from the Nou Camp next season.
That has led to them looking to raise funds by moving on players who do not necessarily have a long-term place in Xavi's plans. According to AS, Kessie had looked set to be one of the first to depart, with Liverpool one of the teams interested in him.
It was said that a meeting Kessie held with Xavi proved 'decisive', with the Barca boss making it clear the club would be forced to sell him. It was further reported that Kessie had accepted the decision and was ready to depart.
A price of £30million is said to have been placed on him, with Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham named as interested suitors. But those reports now appear to have been misguided, with Kessie's agent publicly condemning them.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Franck Kessie leave Barcelona this summer? Comment below.
The representative is said to have labelled the report as 'fake news' and that Kessie is keen to remain in Barcelona. His position has not changed and he will resist any attempt to move him on this summer.
Reports of Inter's interest in the midfielder first surfaced in March, during a period when Kessie was mainly used as a substitute. But at the time, Xavi insisted he was a key player and was not for sale.
“We’re very happy with him, he’s putting in some excellent performances. He rarely loses the ball, and the timing of his runs into the box is good. He works hard for the team and is generous with his teammates," the Barca coach said.
“The matches that he’s been playing are giving him confidence, he’s patient and he’ll be important for us. I’m very happy with Frank."
The news will come as a blow to Liverpool, who are seeking to overhaul their options in midfield this summer. With Jude Bellingham instead joining Real Madrid, boss Jurgen Klopp has been forced to look for alternatives.
Kessie had appeared to be one of them and if he were to be available for £30m, he would certainly be in Liverpool's price range. But it now appears that Klopp may have to take the Barca man off his shopping list.
