Ronald Koeman does not want to sign Sergio Aguero once he leaves Manchester City in June, according to reports in Spain.
Premier League leaders City announced on Monday that club legend Aguero will be moving on at the end of the current campaign after a decade at the club, while the player himself put out a personal statement.
Aguero has been linked with a return to LaLiga - having played for Atletico Madrid before a £35million move to the Etihad Stadium - and linking up with Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
But according to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Catalan giants' Dutch boss Koeman has no interest in acquiring the 32-year-old's services and prefers the possibility of Lyon star Memphis Depay joining on a free transfer.
The report adds Koeman believes his compatriot - who blossomed under him while he was Netherlands boss - would be a better fit in Barcelona's system and is a huge admirer of his versatility.
The same outlet also adds the likelihood of Depay, 27, accepting a role as a substitute from time to time in comparison to Aguero would also work in the former's favour in regards to the club's pursuit.
However, the pursuit of the duo will not affect Barcelona chasing Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, the report adds.
The 20-year-old Norwegian is European football's most in-demand forward following his prolific exploits in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
They will however face competition from City, who have made Haaland - who boasts a hugely impressive 25 goals and one assist in 25 Bundesliga matches this season, and has 10 goals from six in the Champions League - their No 1 target to replace Aguero.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have also been linked with a mega-money move for the Norway international.
Aguero is City's all-time leading goalscorer, overtaking Eric Brook's 78-year record of 177 goals.
City have confirmed a statue will be built in the honour of the star, who was responsible for bringing home the first Premier League title of the new era with a famous last-gasp goal against Queens Park Rangers in May 2012.
Paement
376
Don't complain about Koeman bringing Dutch players..are we after multi nation team or a trophies winning team?? Just trust koeman and let him do what's best for our club please
youtubebarcafamilytv
8
but aguaro is better than depay...we should look for the best.....
are you out of your mind ? yeah aguero WAS WAS NOT IS . aguero is old now washed up and injury prone like hell. koeman has every right not to bring aguero . what's the point of going for him ? might aswel go chase after Suarez the whole point we let Suarez go was to bring young hungry players for our new project