Barcelona president Joan Laporta has attempted to quash rumours that Yaya Toure is set to leave the Camp Nou, despite the player's agent indicating that his client is ready to hand in a transfer request.

Toure has rarely been out of the headlines over the past month, apparently unhappy with the lack of playing time he has received this season having been sucha key figure in Pep Guardiola's treble winning side last term.

The 26-year-old midfielder has started only four times in La Liga this campaign, and his frustration at his lack of first-team action was compounded when he was only given a cameo appearance in 'El Clasico' on Sunday.

Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City have both been mooted as potential suitors, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Inter Milan have also been linked with the former AS Monaco enforcer.

And while his agent, Dimitri Seluk, has warned that Toure will run out of patience with the Catalan giants should he continue to be overlooked, Laporta has rubbished rumours that the club are willing to let him leave.

"I am convinced that Yaya Toure will be a Barca player for many years and we have not decided to sell," the Barca supremo told Sky Sports News.

"The kid offers big performances for the team and I am personally a fan of Toure. The quotes are normal because he is a first-class player who wants more playing time.

"Toure is wanted by the coaches. I am not preoccupied by the quotes of the agent. He has also issued warnings at other times, but the footballer is still here."