Ferran Soriano has once again dismissed talk of Barcelona signing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Silva has long been linked with a move to the Camp Nou, but Pep Guardiola has made it clear he wants to keep hold of the Portuguese midfielder.
The 30-year-old playmaker scored one goal and set up another in the Premier League champions’ 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Silva faces Barca in a friendly on Wednesday and City chief executive Soriano does not expect him to play for the Catalan giants this season.
Que t’hi Jugues Cadena Ser said: “This story took many turns, but deep down it never moved from its starting point.”
Soriano added just over a week before the transfer window closed: “It’s a bit late to talk about comings and goings.”
Silva made 50 appearances for City in all competitions last season, a tally surpassed only by Joao Cancelo (52), as the 28-year-old scored 13 goals and provided seven assists.
Only Kevin de Bruyne (129) and Jack Grealish (78) have created more chances for City than Silva, who had 76 last term.