MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 00:06:54| >> :120:5726:5726:

Barcelona deny making approach for Ernesto Valverde

Barcelona release a statement to make clear that they have not approached Athletic Bilbao's Ernesto Valverde over the summer managerial vacancy at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have 'emphatically denied' making contact with Athletic Bilbao over the availability of manager Ernesto Valverde.

Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that the 53-year-old is the Catalan giants' preferred choice to replace outgoing boss Luis Enrique at the end of the campaign.

The speculation came just hours after Bilbao striker Inaki Williams tipped his manager to one day take on the Camp Nou job, but Barcelona have refuted media claims that an approach has already been made for the former Espanyol and Villarreal chief.

"FC Barcelona emphatically denies having asked permission from Athletic Club to negotiate the hiring of coach Ernesto Valverde, as reported tonight on television in Catalonia," a club statement read.

"Likewise, the club denies that technical secretary Robert Fernandez has contacted Ernesto Valverde in recent days to negotiate joining FC Barcelona."

Enrique announced at the start of the month that he will not extend his stay in Catalonia beyond the end of the current season, bringing an end to his three-year spell with the club.

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Athletic Bilbao's Spanish forward Inaki Williams celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europe League round of 32 football match Torino Vs Athletic Bilbao on February 19, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5GironaGirona146352018221
6Mallorca146351312121
7Osasuna136341720-321
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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