Valencia release Carlos Soler statement amid reports of Barcelona deal

Valencia have firmly denied rumours that they have agreed to sell Carlos Soler to Barcelona this summer.

On Monday, a report in Spain claimed that the two clubs had reached an agreement for the transfer of the midfielder, with the Catalan giants due to pay €20m (£16.8m) to sign him during the upcoming window.

However, Valencia were quick to release a statement denying that they had held any talks with their La Liga rivals over a summer deal for the Spain international.

Los Che also posted the message "Don't lie!" above a picture of the midfielder on their Twitter account.

The six-time Spanish champions, meanwhile, said that they are in "an open negotiation process" with Soler over a contract extension at Mestalla, with his existing deal due to expire in June 2023.

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"In response to a story published this Monday in Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Valencia deny the existence of any agreement - or any ongoing negotiation - with Barcelona for the transfer of Carlos Soler," read a statement from Valencia's official website.

"The club are currently in an open negotiation process with the player and his agents to extend his contract with Valencia."

Soler has enjoyed an strong 2021-22 campaign for Los Che, finding the back of the net on 12 occasions in 34 appearances in all competitions, in addition to contributing five assists.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has scored 35 goals and registered 31 assists in 219 outings for Los Che since making his first-team debut for the Spanish giants in 2016.

Soler has shown his versatility by operating in a number of different positions this season, starting the season as a right-sided midfielder, while he has also played off the left, in central midfield and as a number 10.

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Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be a huge admirer of the attacker's talents, and a move for Soler has allegedly been put in place as the Catalan outfit prepare to sell Frenkie de Jong.

However, Valencia have firmly denied that there has even been early discussions surrounding a possible summer move, with the club determined to keep hold of one of their most important players.

Soler has only actually made six appearances for Spain, last featuring in their March friendlies against Albania and Iceland, and he will be hoping to secure a spot in the La Roja squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Barcelona have allegedly already agreed a deal to sign Franck Kessie on a free transfer from AC Milan this summer, but De Jong's future is unclear, while Gavi has still not signed a fresh deal at Camp Nou.

As a result, the Catalan club, who still have their financial problems, could be in the market for another midfielder this summer, and Soler is thought to be a leading target even if Valencia have denied contact.

Los Che are facing a similar situation with captain Jose Gaya - also out of contract next summer - with Barcelona thought to view him as a possible long-term replacement for Jordi Alba.