Atletico chief Mateu Alemany responds to Barcelona’s interest in Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid’s director of football Mateu Alemany was asked about reported interest from Barcelona in Julian Alvarez ahead of kick off between the two sides at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.

Alemany is back at Camp Nou for the first time since he left the Catalans and insisted he knows nothing about his former club’s interest in the striker.

Joan Laporta is believed to be eager to sign Alvarez, as a potential successor for Robert Lewandowski, but Alemany played down talk of a move.

“I’m not aware of any interest from Barça in Julián. He’s a very important player for the club and he’s happy with us. He has five years left on his contract,” he told the media.

“I’ve seen several board members with whom I have a good relationship. I haven’t seen Joan Laporta yet.”

Alvarez has said he “honestly doesn’t know” what will happen next season amid talk of interest from Barca and PSG, although president Enrique Cerezo has insisted he wants to stay in Madrid.