Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has indicated he has no intention of allowing Ousmane Dembele to depart this summer amid apparent interest from Liverpool.
Dembele joined the Catalan giants last summer in a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund but endured a difficult debut campaign at Camp Nou.
The France international has suffered with injury problems and that has resulted in a struggle to find his top form.
There has been speculation Barca could be prepared to cut their losses when the transfer window reopens and a loan move to Premier League outfit Liverpool, with a view to a permanent transfer, has been suggested.
However, Dembele impressed on Wednesday night with two goals as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 5-1 to remain on course for an unbeaten La Liga campaign, and Valverde was quick to praise the 20-year-old.
The former Athletic Bilbao boss says he expects further improvement from Dembele in a clear indication he isn’t anticipating the club entertain any offers for the forward this summer.
“Dembele had a great game. He’s a very talented player indeed. His last goal was lovely,” Valverde told the club’s official website.
He added: “We are expecting big things from him. He’s still very young and has a long time ahead to show his class. All new players need some time to adapt.”
Barcelona head to Levante on Sunday and they are 1.33 to claim victory or 23.00 to win 5-0.
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