Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dismissed reports that Ansu Fati is set to join archrivals Real Madrid.

Fati is said to desire to quit the Nou Camp after falling down the pecking order behind Xavi.

As his future remained uncertain, he was connected with numerous Premier League clubs, and there were even murmurs in Spanish media about a possible move to arch-rivals Real Madrid.

However, Xavi quelled all rumours and asserted that Fati’s future lies in Barcelona as he is an “important player” for the club.

“This is a joke, isn’t it? I have already been very blunt about Ansu.

“Debates are being generated that make no sense. Ansu is an important player and is part of the club’s heritage, now and in the future,” he told reporters.