Barcelona admire Valbuena, says agent

The player's representative says that the Spanish champions are fond admirers of the France international though played down a move to Camp Nou this summer

Mathieu Valbuena's agent has claimed that Barcelona have made him aware of their admiration for the Olympique de Marseille midfielder.

The France international, 28, has caught the attention of a number of top clubs in the past 12 months with his eye-catching performances in Ligue 1.

Though the attacking player's representative revealed the Catalans had made contact, he was keen to stress that Valbuena is happy at the Stade Velodrome and was not hunting for a Camp Nou move this transfer window.

"I can confirm only that I discussed Mathieu with [Barcelona sporting director] Andoni Zubizarreta some time ago," Christophe Hutteau told RMC Sport.

"He felt the same as their technical staff: that he’s is a very good player whom they all appreciate. He told me that a number of offensive players would leave Barca [this summer].

"But Mathieu is currently at Marseille and is feels happy there."