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Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was contradicted by club president Joan Laporta over reports he flew out to Germany to meet with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland this week.

Xavi did not deny the reports when asked about the trip to Munich to meet Haaland but Laporta attempted to pour cold water on the suggestions.

The Catalan club held a meeting with the player's agent Mino Raiola in December while Dortmund recently confirmed that Real Madrid are among those who are interested in signing the Norwegian.

The Norwegian striker fuelled speculation of a transfer to La Liga in January as he confirmed that he would like to play in Spain during his career.

Barca president Joan Laporta's reported confidence in signing the striker has sparked off what has been described as a 'war' between the club and El Clasico rivals Madrid.

In January, the Norwegian striker claimed that Borussia Dortmund were pushing him into making a decision on his future amid speculation that he may be on the move this summer.

Haaland has a reported £63million release clause that kicks in this summer – a factor that will spark a series of elite European clubs' interest in signing the Norwegian.

Barca subsequently attempted to steal a march on their rivals for the striker’s signature by meeting separately with the player and agent in recent times.

Laporta was asked about any negotiations between Barca and