Barcelona vice president, Josep Maria Bartomeu denied rumors that the club had spoken to Manchester City striker "Kun" Aguero.

Two defeats in two games for Barca have started the rumor mill and Aguero's name was published in the Spanish press on Wednesday with the pro-Barca newspaper, Diario Sport insisting that club had maintained contacts with the Manchester City striker who has been in outstanding form this season.

Bartomeu acted quickly to deny this saying, "there is no contact with him and I am in a position to deny that."

He also ruled out any chance of Leo Messi returning to action before the end of the year.

"He has not been given the OK and we are going to follow his recovery closely," he said, adding that after a series of muscle problems this season Messi had to, "leave the doubts behind, forget his injuries and ensure that he gets back to his top shape."

The vice president also insisted that despite recent stories of massive financial offers to buy Messi, the striker had no intention of leaving the Camp Nou.

"He wants to finish his career with Barcelona and nobody has ever made any enquiries about buying him, which is a sign that the player himself has been able to dissuade those who could have an interest."

Andres Iniesta is another player whose future looks to be at the club despite the fact he has yet to sign an extension to his contract, which expires in summer 2015.

"There is no other option other than him staying at Barca, he has many years ahead of him and he is very important," said Bartomeu.

Finally, he was questioned about moves to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Victor Valdes, who will be leaving Barca at the end of the current season.

"We are not going to do that until he confirms he is leaving. When he does that we will take the necessary steps, which are clear for us," he explained.

Meanwhile Barca defender Carles Puyol's injury problems appear to be continuing. The central defender is likely to miss the forthcoming Copa del Rey game away to Cartagena as the result of a buildup of fluid on his troublesome knee.