Barcelona boss Xavi has branded Ansu Fati "non-transferable" amid suggestions that Manchester United are keen to sign the Spain international during this summer's transfer window.
The 20-year-old's future is currently the subject of speculation, with a recent report claiming that his agent Jorge Mendes had been contacting European clubs to discuss a possible summer transfer.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said towards the end of last week that the club were not aware of Mendes discussing Fati's future with any outside party.
"He is a Barca player, in whom we have high hopes and we have no news that his agent wants to do anything," Laporta told reporters during a press conference.
However, there remains speculation surrounding his future, with Man United believed to be keen to make a move for the Spain international ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
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Xavi, speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Villarreal, has branded Fati "non-transferable" and said that he has "tremendous hope" and "blind confidence" in the youngster.
"Ansu Fati is non-transferable, like everyone in the squad right now. He's a very important player. I have tremendous hope," Xavi told reporters.
"We expect a lot from him, I have blind confidence in him. I have it with everyone. We have been shaping the squad based on what I have wanted."
Fati has been a regular for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 31 occasions in all competitions, contributing six goals and three assists in the process.
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The Spaniard missed 47 matches for Barcelona between November 2020 and September 2021 due to a serious knee injury, and he has since been absent with two separate hamstring problems.
Fati, who is in the squad for Sunday's clash with Villarreal, has made 89 appearances for the Catalan outfit in all competitions, scoring 25 goals and contributing nine assists in the process.
Man United are said to have a long-standing interest in the youngster, with the Red Devils preparing to sign at least one new forward during this summer's transfer window.
Barcelona are in a strong position when it comes to the Spaniard's future, though, as he has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2027, with the option of an additional two years.
Matt Law
