Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo has denied reports linking him with Barcelona.

There's been claims Parejo has been in contact with Barca coach Xavi about the prospect of replacing Blaugrana captain Sergi Busquets this summer.

But he told Estadio Deportivo: I haven't spoken to Xavi, I don't have his phone number, nothing.

"To tell you the truth, I am not aware of Bara's interest. To my agents, it can happen, but they have not communicated it to me."

Parejo admits he came close to signing for Barcelona a few years ago.

"It's true that I had the chance to go to Barcelona, but I was very comfortable at Valencia.

I like to play, I like it when I play and I had gone through very difficult times at Valencia, I had turned that situation around and I was very happy."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant