Ernesto Valverde plays down exit talk

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has played down talks of a move to Barcelona.

It is understood that the Catalan outfit will be on the lookout for a new manager this summer, with current head coach Gerardo Martino expected to leave.

Valverde has been widely linked with the position at the Camp Nou, but he has insisted that "all the talk" is pure speculation at this stage.

"I won't speak publically about the terms of my contract but I don't know how else to say I have a contract with Athletic," Valverde told Marca.

"All the talk about this is from the press. From the point of view of the coach, I can't get to speak. I have a contract with Athletic which is quite clear, and there is a coach in Barcelona who also has a contract.

"The other day he was my rival but he is also my co-worker and I guess he won't like that every day you are talking about replacements. Coaches should be above the speculations generated in the press."

Bilbao host Sevilla in La Liga this evening.