Paco Jemez plays down Daisuke Suzuki talk

Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez has claimed that he 'does not know' Daisuke Suzuki, despite reports claiming that the Japan international was closing in on a move to the Spanish club.

Suzuki, 25, has been strongly linked with a move to Spain in recent weeks, and it had been suggested that a deal for the centre-back to move to Rayo in the January transfer window had already been completed.

However, Jemez has said that he has 'not heard anything' about a possible move for the Kashiwa Reysol defender.

"I don't know the player and I'm surprised about [reports of an] offer. [Sporting director] Felipe Minambres hasn't told me about the player," Jemez told reporters.

"I'm not saying it's a lie or the truth, but I've never seen him play and I don't know his position, neither have I heard anything within the club which leads me to think he'll join. I would've been told [otherwise]. I don't know where he'll go."

Rayo will complete week 12 in La Liga with a clash against close rivals Getafe on Monday evening.