Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has insisted that recent talk of his side being interested in Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is simply "rumours".

Reports in the French press during the international break hinted at discreet discussions taking place between the 26-year-old and league leaders Barca.

Griezmann has reportedly been informed that he can move on in the January transfer window for the right price, as Diego Costa and Vitolo have already agreed deals to join the capital club when their transfer ban is lifted.

Valverde fell short of ruling out a move for the France international but, like suggestions of rivals Real Madrid being interested in Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar, put the ongoing speculation down to paper talk.

Asked which of those two transfers was most likely to be completed in 2018, Valverde told reporters: "Neither. Rumours are rumours.

"[Griezmann] is a great player and every time players are linked with Barcelona, they are great players. But I'm happy with the ones I have and, in the future, we'll see."

Griezmann, who is said to have been on the brink of joining Manchester United during the summer transfer window, has scored just two goals in nine league outings this term.