Ernesto Valverde dismisses Ousmane Dembele speculation amid Liverpool transfer links
Ernesto Valverde has insisted Ousmane Dembele has a big future at Barcelona amid talk of the youngster leaving the Nou Camp.
The attacker has been linked with a transfer away from the club this week, with Liverpool mooted as serious contenders for Dembele.
Jurgen Klopp is described as obsessed with Dembele and has been following his progress ever since he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
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Liverpool have reportedly approached Barcelona about a potential loan deal, but Valverde has now dismissed those claims as false.
We have to realise he just got here. Hes had some injuries and getting playing time in our team is not easy, he said.
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Hes an incredible talent, technically outstanding, hes quick, a difference-maker.
Maybe he needs to work on defence a little bit and some other areas. Maybe putting on pressure after we lose the ball.
But we know hes young, hes had a tough season and we hope he will continue to develop next year.
Dembeles arrival at Barcelona was derailed after the 20-year-old suffered a hamstring problem playing in his first La Liga game for the Catalan giants.
The forward missed the next four months and was an unused substitute for Barcelonas encounter with Real Madrid over the weekend.
Despite making just 14 league appearances this season, Dembele has managed an assist every 121 minutes.
Speaking about the links to Dembele and Lyon star Nabil Fekir, Klopp insisted there was nothing in the rumours.
Liverpool 2017/18 Fixtures
Brighton (H) – Sun May 13
Real Madrid (N) – Champions League -Sat May 26
During the game we agreed a deal? I would be surprised about that to be honest.
But no comment. What was the second name? Oh! [Dembele] is on the market? Is he on the market? Now I am interested!
No, nothing [to say]. Obviously you are not from Liverpool. I never comment on transfer rumours. Ive said already much more than I usually say.
More: Liverpool FC
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