Marco Verratti plays down Barcelona talk

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has played down suggestions that his agent Mino Raiola has offered Barcelona the chance to sign him at the end of the season.

Verratti has continually been linked with Barcelona over the last couple of years, while Manchester United are also said to have an interest in the Italy international.

The 25-year-old was reportedly considering his future in France following PSG's failure to make an impression in the Champions League once again, but the midfielder has insisted that he wants to stay in Paris.

"I have read that Mino Raiola has offered me to Barcelona. It's false," Verratti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I spoke with my representatives and the club's directors and they know what I think, things are clear.

"I decided to stay, I have the obsession of winning with PSG, who allowed me to grow even more as a person. We share an ambitious project. I hope that my teammates think the same. One defeat cannot end the project."

Verratti has scored twice and registered seven assists in 37 appearances for PSG this season.