Ajax attacker Justin Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick, joked that only Lionel Messi would be able to confirm whether Barcelona are interested in acquiring him.

“I’m not in contact with Messi, so I don’t know if it’s true,” the 18-year-old said in an interview with FourFourTwo, responding to reports that the Barcelona talisman has instructed the club board to sign the youngster.

“Only he knows what happened, but it’s good to hear that.”

Kluivert is said to prefer a move to Barcelona, where his father had an illustrious spell, although he said he wouldn’t say no to Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid.

The Dutchman also revealed that the infamous chat between him and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho after last season’s Europa League final had nothing to do with a potential transfer to the Premier League club, who are said to be in pursuit of his signature.

“He [Mourinho] told me it was nice to see me again after so long, because he had known me since I was a baby,” Kluivert explained. Mourinho was a coach at Barcelona during Kluivert senior’s time at the club.

“He said it was great to see me and that I am doing well. “