Thiago Motta’s agent responds to Barcelona links | OneFootball

The agent of Bologna head coach Thiago Motta has on Sunday issued a response to the sudden speculation linking his client with a move to La Liga, with Barcelona.

The name of tactician Motta has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital across the day to date.

As much comes after it was suggested in the Spanish media that the 41-year-old was being pushed as a leading option to replace Xavi in the Barcelona dugout.

Motta, for his part, is in the midst of nothing short of a historic campaign on the touchline, which has seen him lead Serie A outfit Bologna to a place in next season’s Champions League.

Having also spent time on the books at the Camp Nou during his playing career, rumours of a potential reunion this summer therefore did not come as a major surprise.

Almost as quickly as the links surfaced, however, they have since been shut down.

As confirmed by Barcelona insider Toni Juanmartí, Diario Sport have been informed by Motta’s entourage that he has not been offered to the Blaugrana.

They wish to show Xavi the respect that he deserves, therefore not in any form of negotiations with the brass in Catalunya.

Instead, it is Italian heavyweights Juventus who remain the firm favourites to land Motta, having tabled a three-year contract offer to the former Azzurri international.

Conor Laird | GSFN