Barcelona have shrugged off reports linking Pep Guardiola with
Manchester United and are "convinced" he will sign a new deal at
the Nou Camp.
Guardiola, who turned 39 on Monday, has been linked in
reports with a move to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson's eventual
replacement after making a phenomenally successful start to his
coaching career with the Catalan giants.
Barcelona won six trophies under Guardiola last season,
including a Champions League victory over United in Rome, and
stretched their advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the
Primera Division to five points with a 4-0 weekend win over
Sevilla.
Guardiola's contract expires at the end of the current season
which has led to growing concern that he may leave.
But president Juan Laporta is convinced the coach will turn
his back on a possible future in the Premier League and continue to
guide Barcelona to success.
Laporta said: "We cannot avoid the speculation as he is the
best coach in the world and many clubs will be interested.
"We know that and Manchester United are just one club who I
am sure are watching his future. But he has a long way to go with
Barcelona.
"Because of his characteristics we expect him to continue to
write the pages of history of this football club.
"We would like to solve this question mark over his future as
soon as possible and we are convinced that he will sign but we must
respect his decision to wait.
"We are convinced that he will sign a new contract and that
he will sign soon but we cannot force him into a decision.
"We must be patient and wait.
"On Sunday we talked about his birthday. I sent him a card
with my congratulations but we will see what happens."
