Former Barcelona handball star Enric Masip expects Joan Laporta to stand for the presidential election.

Masip believes Laporta could announce his candidacy this week.

"I imagine it's a matter of hours or days before Joan Laporta makes the announcement.

"He's very close to doing it. But, officially, it's similar to when you have a transfer deal sewn up, but can't break the news until it's finalised.

"If he stands, I'll be involved in his campaign, to the contrary of what I've read. I don't know where they got it from. I'll work with him on the club model, ideology and many other things. We're the best club in the world for a reason and that has to be restored because there are many things that are no longer as they used to be."