Barcelona sent message over Aleix Garcia pursuit by Girona manager

Girona manager Michel has insisted he does not think midfielder Aleix Garcia will leave the club this month amid reports of interest from Barcelona.

26-year-old Garcia has been one of Girona's top performers in their surprise La Liga title charge, starting all 18 matches so far and chipping in with three goals and four assists to fire his side to second in the table, tied on points with leaders Real Madrid.

With Barcelona on the hunt for a new midfielder following Gavi's nasty knee injury, reports in Spain have named Garcia as a potential target and the Blaugrana have been tipped to try and lure the former Manchester City youngster across Catalonia this winter.

Asked about a potential departure for Garcia, manager Michel told Tuesday's press conference: «I have the feeling that Aleix is ​​not going to leave, but whether he goes to one team or another, it would hurt me because we would lose him.

»We are not at the level of Barca. We want to continue growing as a club and to do so we need players of Aleix's level. It would hurt me because we lose potential, but I have the feeling that he is going to continue."

Last month, Girona president Delfi Geli also moved to shut down the speculation.

«We, above all things, want all players to stay with us,» Geli said. «I understand that in a market you can say and talk about things. In the end there is only one clause that can let a player leave.

»Aleix is totally involved in the season and our project. He is happy and will continue with us if there is nothing new. I don't know if Barca wants him or not, but he is our player and that is what he counts at the moment."

Garcia himself has not filled Girona fans with confidence as he refused to give anything away when asked whether there was