Guillem Balague says that contrary to newspaper reports, Cesc Fabregas will stay at Barcelona. Guillem Balague says that contrary to newspaper reports, Cesc Fabregas will stay at Barcelona.

The former Arsenal midfielder is a reported target for Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as the Gunners, but if he does leave Barcelona it is not likely to be for at least another 12 months.

United were rumoured to have opened talks with Barcelona over a deal for the 26-year-old, who was only a fringe member of their squad last season and could be further marginalised by the arrival of the exciting Neymar.

But Balague told Sky Sports News of Fabregas: "He is surprised by the rumours that are so strong in England.

"The club has definitely told me this evening that they have got no intention whatsoever of selling him.

"His buyout clause, in case anybody is interested, is €200million (£171m), which is a little bit expensive. In any case it is a deterrent for people to come and try to poach him away.

"If anything was going to happen it would be in the future, maybe next year, who knows, but what seems certain is that both the club and himself have decided he will stay at Barcelona for at least one more season."