Barcelona have NOT spoken to Erling Haaland insists Joan Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed suggestions that the club have held talks over a move for Erling Haaland.

Laporta's comments come after Barcelona manager Xavi failed to deny that he had flown to Germany alongside sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff to discuss signing Haaland.

Xavi said: 'I can't give details. I can only say that we are working for both the present and the future of the club.' 

However, Laporta insists that Barcelona have entered negotiations for the coveted striker. He added that the first step would be for Barcelona to contact Borussia Dortmund.

As reported by goal, speaking at a meeting of supporters groups, Laporta said: 'I can deny that there has been any kind of negotiation over Haaland. Not a meeting, nor a conversation, nothing.

'With regards to the meeting between Xavi and Haaland in Munich, that's none of my business, but two sportsmen can talk about football, I suppose.

'The first thing we'd do is contact Borussia Dortmund, his club.'

Haaland has a release clause of £63million in his contract which is activated this summer.

In addition to Barcelona, the 21-year-old has also been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Manchester City are on the lookout for a striker after failing to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer, but it remains to be seen whether they will pursue a move for Haaland.

Since his move to Dortmund in January 2020 Haaland has scored 80 goals in 79 appearances. 

Barcelona were heavily active in the January transfer window as Xavi looked to improve his squad.

Ferran Torres joined from Manchester City, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract was terminated by mutual consent. In addition, Adama Traore signed on loan