A La Liga midfielder addresses speculation that Barcelona is interested, saying, "I am not aware of it."

 

Speaking after Villarreal’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad this past weekend, midfielder Dani Parejo has claimed that he is not aware of any interest in him from FC Barcelona and has not spoken to manager Xavi Hernandez.

Reports in the past few months have indicated that Parejo is seen as one among the targets for Barcelona to replace Sergio Busquets if the club captain leaves as a free agent in the summer.

Busquets’ contract expires on June 30 and even though he has been sent a renewal offer, the 34-year-old is yet to make a decision and has proposals from Saudi Arabia and the USA.

With still no certainty over his future, Barça are keeping themselves prepared for the scenario that he might leave. And, Parejo has reportedly been identified as one of the possible replacement candidates for Busquets, with Xavi said to be an admirer.

When asked about the same this past weekend, Parejo told Carrusel Deportivo: “I’m not aware of it. Maybe my agents have received something, but to be honest, nothing has been passed on to me at any time.

“I understand that, if there has been something, it hasn’t been important enough to communicate it to me. I have not been aware of anything.”

When asked if he had spoken to Xavi, the Villarreal veteran replied: “I don’t have his phone number.”

Furthermore, Parejo stated his desire to continue at Villarreal beyond this season, as he said: “I hope I can continue for a long time. It’s a club that does things very well.”

Parejo is one of the most experienced players in La Liga and has been performing at the top level for a while now. Considering his contract has just one year left and that he is unlikely to demand huge wages, Barcelona see him as a low-cost replacement for Busquets.

However, it seems like the midfielder is keen on continuing with the Yellow Submarine for a long time.