Roma’s revered director of football Monchi has declared links to Barcelona “don’t have any sense” and that he intends to stay put in the Eternal City.

Monchi, 50, gained a reputation as a talent spotter without compare at Sevilla from 2000-17. Some of his best buys were sold to the Catalans at vast profit, including Brazil right-back Dani Alves and Mali midfielder Seydou Keita.

An imminent return to Spain has been repeatedly suggested in the media. But speaking to COPE ahead of Wednesday’s 3-0 thrashing at Real Madrid in the Champions League, he was dismissive of the rumours.

“I don’t talk about things that don’t have any sense, like an offer from Barca,” Monchi said.

He added: “I am about the present. I don’t worry about anything other than the day to day and I have years left on my contract with Roma still.”

His deal with the Giallorossi is set to expire in 2021.