Athletic Bilbao director of sport Rafa Alkorta has ruled out signing Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Alkorta says Higuain's Basque roots aren't strong enough to bring him to the club.

“In order to sign for us, you must've been either born or formed as a player here," Alkorta told Onda Cero.

“If you do not fit these rules, then it doesn't count.

"I don't know if one day those rules could be modified, but right now, that is what they are.