Lyon chief: 'Barcelona have said they cannot afford Memphis Depay'

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has rubbished rumours linking Memphis Depay with an imminent move to Barcelona.

Recent reports have suggested that the Dutchman is set to make the switch to Camp Nou in a £28m deal, where he would reunite with former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.

However, Aulas has taken to social media to deny those reports, saying in a tweet: "President [Josep Maria] Bartomeu told me on Sunday that Barca are suffering a lot from the Covid crisis and that it isn't possible for them to make an offer."

Depay scored from the penalty spot against Montpellier on Tuesday evening but was unable to prevent Lyon from falling to a 2-1 defeat in the French top flight.

Barca are on the lookout for a new frontman but have already been forced to concede defeat in their pursuit of Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, with the striker's agent ruling out a move elsewhere.

Depay's current deal with Les Gones will expire next summer.