Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo has reportedly rejected the chance to join Barcelona for the second half of the season.
So reported Sport, which noted he was offered a six-month spell with the Blaugrana in a personal meeting with Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez, but he decided against the move as he hopes to gain more significant minutes at the Mestalla.
The 30-year-old made just nine appearances this season under Nuno Espirito Santo as he fell out of favour and was left out of the squad for seven consecutive La Liga matches. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez had no explanation for the striker's enforced absence:
Valencia coach Nuno leaves Negredo out of the squad for the third consecutive time.