Fermin Lopez, the 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder, has dismissed rumors that he was ever close to leaving for the Premier League this summer. He insists he never doubted his place in the Catalan club’s roster, despite the reported interest.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is considering promoting a young defender to the first team following an injury to full-back Alejandro Balde. Journalist Moisés Llorens reports that Flick is looking within the club’s youth ranks to bolster his defensive options.