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Barcelona free to sign Diego Alves but not Paco Alcacer - Valencia chief

Valencia sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has opened the door for Diego Alves to join Barcelona but insists Paco Alcacer is not for sale.

Barca have opened talks over Brazilian goalkeeper Alves, according to Mundo Deportivo, amid growing speculation that Claudio Bravo will complete a move to Manchester City.

Pitarch has admitted that he expects the 31-year-old to leave Valencia for financial reasons this summer.

"In January [Alves'] agents asked us for a wage rise to move him in line with the club's top earners because the previous president [Amadeo Salvo] had promised that," he told reporters at Wednesday's presentation of new midfielder Mario Suarez.

"The situation means it's not possible for us to meet those demands and we have told Diego and his agents they can look for [another club] where he'll be [better] remunerated.

"If Diego decides to stay it would be good news, but I think due to his age and the conditions that won't happen."

Alves could be one of the players Barca coach Luis Enrique was speaking about on Tuesday when he said he expects more signings at Camp Nou this month, but any hopes of adding Alcacer to his squad have been dealt a setback.

Sport reports a move for the Spain striker edged closer at a meeting over dinner recently, although Pitarch has denied that and made it clear Los Che do not want to lose 22-year-old.

"I've spoken with [Alcacer] and I've told him Valencia do not want to sell him," he added.

"He's happy and looking forward to the start of La Liga and scoring goals. He has not told me he wants to leave the club.

"The club's posture is clear: Valencia don't want to sell Paco Alcacer."