• Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez, left, celebrates with Romelu Lukaku. AFP
    Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez, left, celebrates with Romelu Lukaku. AFP
  • Lautaro Martinez is an Argentina international. EPA
    Lautaro Martinez is an Argentina international. EPA
  • Lautaro Martinez after scoring against Qatar during the Copa America. AFP
    Lautaro Martinez after scoring against Qatar during the Copa America. AFP
  • Lautaro Martinez, left, has broken into the Argentina national team. AFP
    Lautaro Martinez, left, has broken into the Argentina national team. AFP
  • Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have formed a fearsome strike partnership for Inter Milan. AFP
    Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have formed a fearsome strike partnership for Inter Milan. AFP
  • Lautaro Martinez chest controls the ball during a Serie A match between Inter Milan and Roma. AFP
    Lautaro Martinez chest controls the ball during a Serie A match between Inter Milan and Roma. AFP
  • Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku. Getty
    Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku. Getty
  • Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez argues with referee Gianluca Manganiello before receiving a red card during the Serie A match against Cagliari. AFP
    Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez argues with referee Gianluca Manganiello before receiving a red card during the Serie A match against Cagliari. AFP

Barcelona 'stop' talks with Inter Milan over Lautaro Martinez, move for Neymar also unlikely, says Josep Maria Bartomeu


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Barcelona have halted talks with Inter Milan over the signing of Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez, president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Monday.

The 22-year-old Martinez, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Inter this season, has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou.

"We spoke with Inter a few weeks ago but now the discussions have stopped. Now we are not speaking," Bartomeu told Catalan television.

"We have to finish La Liga and the Champions League and then see what the priorities are."

He also said Barca were not anticipating making a summer move for former forward Neymar, who Paris Saint-Germain made the world's most expensive player in 2017.

"I don't think PSG will put any player on the market and Neymar is a PSG player," he said.

There have been fresh doubts about the future of Lionel Messi in recent weeks, with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly frustrated with the club's failure to build a world-class squad.

Spanish media reported earlier this month Messi had broken off negotiations on extending his contract, which expires next year.

"With Messi we talk, we have talked and we will talk," Bartomeu said.

"He is the best player in football history and has years in football ahead. I have no doubt that he will stay with Barca. His future is here in football and after football."

Bartomeu also confirmed under-pressure manager Quique Setien would stay in his post at least until the end of the season.

"We went to Setien's house to talk about the future, about the planning for the next season."

Barcelona sit second in the La Liga table with two matches remaining, one point behind arch rivals and leaders Real Madrid, who play their game in hand against Granada later on Monday.

MATCH INFO

Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:

Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2

Second leg:

Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

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Price: From Dh149,900

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