J-League outfit Vissel Kobe are surprised by reports linking them with a deal for Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta.

The Japanese club are being mentioned as a destination for Iniesta as China's Chongqing Dangdai Lifan go cold on the deal.

A Vissel spokesman told Efe they're surprised by the reports and had learned of the speculation through the media.

Iniesta has been linked with Vissel through Rakuten owner Hiroshi Mikitani.

Rakuten are Barca's shirt sponsors and Mikitani is also owner of Vissel Kobe.