Athletic president Jon Uriarte has played down talk of defender Inigo Martinez moving to Barcelona in the summer.
The rumor mill has been convinced the Catalans will go for the 31-year-old despite signing Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde recently.
There was also talk about a bid last summer but Uriarte says Barcelona have not been in touch to discuss the center-back.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone from Barça,” he said. “We are creating an environment where footballers can feel comfortable.
“He is going to play normally this season because he is a very important player.