Laporta: Barcelona have NOT spoken to Haaland about a switch to the Nou Camp

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed suggestions that the club have held talks over a move for Erling Haaland.

Laporta's comments come after Barcelona manager Xavi failed to deny that he had flown to Germany alongside sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff to discuss signing Haaland.

Xavi said: 'I can't give details. I can only say that we are working for both the present and the future of the club.'

However, Laporta insists that Barcelona have entered negotiations for the coveted striker. He added that the first step would be for Barcelona to contact Borussia Dortmund.

As reported by goal, speaking at a meeting of supporters groups, Laporta said: 'I can deny that there has been any kind of negotiation over Haaland. Not a meeting, nor a conversation, nothing.

'With regards to the meeting between Xavi and Haaland in Munich, that's none of my business, but two sportsmen can talk about football, I suppose.

'The first thing we'd do is contact Borussia Dortmund, his club.'

Haaland has a release clause of £63million in his contract which is activated this summer.

In addition to Barcelona, the 21-year-old has also been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Manchester City are on the lookout for a striker after failing to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer, but it remains to be seen whether they will pursue a move for Haaland.

Since his move to Dortmund in January 2020 Haaland has scored 80 goals in 79 appearances.

Barcelona were heavily active in the January transfer window as Xavi looked to improve his squad.

Ferran Torres joined from Manchester City, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract was terminated by mutual consent. In addition, Adama Traore signed on loan from Wolves.

Xavi previously stated that he didn't have anything to add regarding Haaland.

He said: 'I can't say any more, when I can we will be the first to say it.

'For example, yesterday we announced Pablo Torre's arrival.

'But, in this situation [regarding Haaland], I have nothing to say and nothing to announce, only that we are working for the good of the club, for the future and the present.'

Xavi added that players are always interested in signing for Barcelona.

He said: 'I haven't seen a player yet who doesn't want to sign for Barça.

'Everyone is excited to come to Barça'.

'Then it depends on clauses and more, but no one is turning down Barça.'

The Barcelona boss also clarified it was not his job alone to sort transfers.

'We are a team, with the president in charge, Mateu [Alemany], Jordi [Cruyff],' he said.

'They trust me a lot, I can't say anything else.

'I don't decide things alone, no one decides unilaterally.

'It is a group and I am all about the team, about asking questions, everyone having an opinion and then deciding.

'My role is decisive, but it is not me alone.

'It is about presenting the project to a player, the style of play and not tricking him, the city as well.

'The most important thing is that I have not seen a single player who has said 'no' to Barcelona.

'Of course there are different circumstances, but it makes all the players feel excited at the idea of joining.'