Barcelona deny approach for Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde

Barcelona have denied seeking permission to speak to Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde over their summer managerial vacancy.

Valverde, enjoying an impressive campaign with Athletic, is one of a number of names linked with replacing Luis Enrique, who announced earlier this month that he will not be Barca's head coach next season.

However, a statement from the Catalan club on Friday evening read: "FC Barcelona emphatically denies having asked permission from Athletic Club to negotiate the hiring of coach Ernesto Valverde, as reported tonight on television in Catalonia.

"Likewise, the club denies that technical secretary Robert Fernandez has contacted Ernesto Valverde in recent days to negotiate joining FC Barcelona."

Jorge Sampaoli was another of the early contenders to succeed Luis Enrique this summer alongside Valverde but Juan Carlos Unzue, who is currently working as Luis Enrique's assistant manager, has also been heavily linked with the top job at the Nou Camp.

Earlier on Friday, Barca were fined over the ecstatic celebrations at the end of their incredible Champions League comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body imposed a fine of €19,000 for the pitch invasion that followed Sergi Roberto's 95th-minute goal, which secured a 6-1 victory on the night after a 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Paris.

The fine was also issued for the "improper conduct" of Barcelona's players, with five bookings picked up by Luis Enrique's men during the game.