Barcelona Issue Hands-Off Warning To Manchester United, Chelsea Over Pursuit Of Midfielder

According to reports in the Spanish press, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde will resist any attempt to sell his midfielder Sergi Roberto, who has been linked with a switch to Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus.

The future of Sergi Roberto at the Camp Nou was up in the air following the arrival of Paulinho from Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande.

The Spain international earlier made up his mind to depart Barcelona this summer, but he has received good news from the coach.

''Of course, I am absolutely counting on him (this season),'' said Ernesto Valverde to Mundo Deportivo.

''In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.''

The 25-year-old is expected to be named in the starting line-up in the Super Cup clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fcbarcelona.com