Manchester United and Chelsea dealt blow in Sergi Roberto pursuit as Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde admits he is 'counting on him'

  • Manchester United and Chelsea look unlikely to sign Sergi Roberto this summerĀ 
  • The Barcelona man is attracting the attention of the Premier League sides
  • Barca boss Ernesto Valverde however says he is 'counting' on him this seasonĀ 
  • Roberto is believed to be unhappy with the recent arrival of PaulinhoĀ 

Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuits for Sergi Roberto, after Barcelona revealed how important the player is set to be for them this season.

The Premier League giants had been monitoring Roberto's situation with interest, in hope of being able to tempt the Spaniard to English football.

Roberto was reported to be unhappy that Barca had opted to bring in former Tottenham man Paulinho, with his pricey transfer fee of Ā£36.5m suggesting he is going to be a first team regular.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuits for Sergi Roberto

Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuits for Sergi Roberto

But Barca have moved to address the concerns of their midfielder, with manager Ernesto Valverde wading in on the subject.Ā 


Valverde told Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo : 'Of course, I am absolutely counting on him.

'In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.'

Roberto has a reported Ā£36m release clause at the Nou Camp, though this is yet to be confirmed by the Catalan club.

The Spaniard has been attracting the interest of the Premier League giants this summer

The Spaniard has been attracting the interest of the Premier League giants this summer

But Barca boss Ernesto Valverde admits he is 'counting on him' for this season

But Barca boss Ernesto Valverde admits he is 'counting on him' for this season

The La Masia graduate has a contract with Barcelona until 2019 and is due an improved extension, though is expected to assess his situation this season in terms of getting game time for his club.

Midfield ranks at the Nou Camp could yet be further reinforced, should the club get their wish and be able to bring Liverpool's Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho to Spanish football.Ā 

Barca will return to action on Wednesday, August 22, when they face Real Madrid for the second leg of their Spanish Super Cup clash.

Reports claim Sergi Roberto is unhappy about the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho

Reports claim Sergi Roberto is unhappy about the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho

The Bernabeu will play host to the tie, which sees Barca trail 3-1 after the first game.

Lionel Messi scored from the spot for Valverde's side, though goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Marco Asensio and a Gerard Pique own-goal put the reigning La Liga champions in the driving seat.Ā