Barcelona insist there's been no contact with River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo.

TNT report Gallardo is the leading candidate to take over from Ernesto Valverde if a managerial change is to take place during the season.

Barça say there's no truth to that reports whatsoever, reports Sport.

Gallardo is the most successful manager in River Plate's history, winning 10 titles in his five years at the club. They are the reigning Copa Libertadores holders and have one foot in the final of this year's competition after beating Boca 2-0 in the semi-final first leg at the Monumental.

But Barça insist that they haven't spoken to Gallardo.