Barcelona's sporting director Deco has rejected reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho is being considered to take over at the Camp Nou.
In January, Xavi surprised everyone by announcing his decision to step down as Barcelona's head coach at the end of the season, leading to an immediate search for his successor.
Mourinho recently parted ways with Roma, and there were reports in Spain linking him to the Barcelona job. If appointed, he would be only the third manager in history to oversee both of Spain's top sides, following his three-year tenure at Real Madrid.
Mourinho is believed to have a close relationship with Deco, the sporting director at Barca, and they both share the same agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes played a role in facilitating the transfers of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix to Barcelona last year.
Despite these connections, Deco has downplayed the speculation surrounding Mourinho's potential arrival at Barcelona.
Asked about the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss, Deco told Esport3: "He is a great friend of mine but I haven’t talked with him in a long time.
"We’re looking for a manager who can adapt to the club’s situation and that can keep developing the young players we have," he added.
Several prominent managers have been associated with the impending vacancy at Barcelona. Jurgen Klopp declared his intention to resign as the Liverpool boss a day before Xavi made his own announcement about his future.
Although the German stated that he will be taking a year-long break from football, he is believed to be among the candidates considered by Barcelona.
When inquired about the possibility of Klopp joining Barcelona, Deco recently shared with La Vanguardia: "He’s a great coach but I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about that."
Spanish publication Sport recently reported Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has indicated his intention to step down as Gunners boss at the end of the season to take over at Barcelona.
Arsenal strongly denied those reports with Arteta himself branding the report ‘upsetting’ and ‘totally fake news’.