Southampton manager Ronald Koeman rejects Barcelona talk

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that he has no plans to leave the club for Barcelona.

The Dutchman has recently been linked with the Catalan giants, where he served as a player and assistant coach during the 1980s and 1990s.

While he admits that he still holds Barcelona close to his heart, Koeman is determined to see out his three-year contract at St Mary's Stadium.

"I have been linked with Barcelona in the past and I will be in the future but I can't do anything about that," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I have to respect my contract I like to respect my contract and I am very happy in my job.

"Of course I had a great time there. The longest period of my time as a player was at Barcelona and it's normal that I have that feeling with them and they have that feeling with me, but there is no reason to be afraid about that."

Southampton are back in action on Wednesday night when they host West Ham United in the Premier League.