Rudi Voller plays down Lars Bender to Barcelona link

Bayer Leverkusen's general manager Rudi Voller has dismissed reports claiming that Lars Bender is close to joining Barcelona.

It had been suggested that following discussions, the Germany international was keen to sign for the Catalans as soon as their transfer embargo is lifted next January.

However, Voller has described that rumour as nothing more than "pure speculation".

"These reports are pure speculation. I can confirm no-one from our club has been in touch with anyone from Barcelona with regard to this," he told Cologne-based newspaper Express.

Twenty-five-year-old Bender, who is also thought to be a target of Arsenal, is contracted to Leverkusen until 2019.