Belgium boss, Roberto Martinez, has played down speculation that he could be set to take over from Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager.
Barca were crowned LaLiga champions for a second successive season under Valverde, but their crushing defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, put the 55-year-old’s future in serious doubt.
Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Catalan giants have made Martinez, 45, their number one target to replace Valverde this summer.
Martinez, who has also managed Swansea, Wigan and Everton, has reportedly impressed Barcelona with his playing style and day-to-day training methods.
Asked about rumours that he could be about to take over the reins at the Nou Camp, Martinez told HLN: “I do not say “yes” to anyone without first talking to Bart [Verhaeghe] and Mehdi [Bayat] (Belgian football federation) first.”
Although Martinez is tied into a contract with Belgium until the 2020 European Championships, the prospect of managing a club of Barca’s stature may convince the Spaniard to force his way out.
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