Valverde quits Atlhetic Bilbao

Ernesto Valverde, who is rumoured to be the prime target for the Barcelona managerial job next season has said goodbye to his current club Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

News emerged when it was confirmed by Athletic Club that Valverde would not be extending his stay into a fifth season, reports Barcelona based Sport newspaper.

According to the report, Valverde wanted to clear up the situation and the rumours by saying he has no agreement with any club, but admitted there is interest.

He said: "I always wanted to tell you [the journalists], before you can ask me questions, there's been a lot of speculation about my future. To make it clear: I have no agreement with any club and I have not spoken with anyone.

"I have an agent and there is interest. It's not the first time there have been offers from big clubs. But what has prevailed is my desire to honor my commitment to this club."

Pushed on whether he's been lined up to replace Luis Enrique, he added: "On the supposed interest from Barcelona, I'm not going to talk about specific teams now. When there's an offer from a club, you will know the answer [if I'd be excited to coach them]."