Agent: 'Barcelona admire Mathieu Valbuena'

Mathieu Valbuena's agent has claimed that Barcelona are keen admirers of the attacking midfielder.

The 28-year-old impressed with his performances in Ligue 1 last season, catching the eye of the Spanish champions.

"I can confirm only that I discussed Mathieu with [Barcelona sporting director] Andoni Zubizarreta some time ago," Christophe Hutteau told RMC Sport.

"He felt the same as their technical staff, that he's a very good player whom they all appreciate.

"He told me that a number of offensive players would leave Barca [this summer]. But Mathieu is currently at Marseille and feels happy there."

Earlier this summer, Valbuena himself refused to rule out a Marseille exit.