Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has refused to be drawn on reports linking Arsenal midfielder Alex Song with a move to the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants have made just one signing this summer - Valencia left-back Jordi Alba - and have been widely linked with a move for Song, who has become one of the world's most revered defensive midfielders.

However Vilanova, speaking after Barcelona's pre-season friendly with Manchester United, told ESPN: "I don't like talking about players who are not in our squad.

"There are many players outside of Barca who I like and I cannot talk about them. It would be a lack of respect to other clubs."

Barcelona Linked to Arsenal's Alex Song

It was reported that Vilanova was considering Cameroon international Song to fill the gap left by Ivorian international Seydou Keita, who left the club to move to China earlier this summer. Spanish newspaper Sport suggested a fee in the region of £12m.

That news was followed by quotes from Barcelona first team regulars Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets welcoming the idea of Song at the club, in a pattern reminiscent of the drawn-out Saga which eventually saw Cesc Fabregas move to the Nou Camp.

Afellay May Stay After All

Whether or not Song moves from the Emirates Stadium to the Nou Camp, it seems unlikely that Dutch winger Ibrahim Afellay will be moving in the opposite direction.

Afellay, 26, has struggled to break into the Barcelona team since joining from PSV Eindhoven, and it has been reported that Arsene Winger admires his direct wide play.

However the player's agent, Rob Jansen, has told reporters: "Can we completely rule out a summer exit? You never know in football, but it's highly unlikely that he will leave Barcelona.

"At the moment we are not thinking about a departure. Ibrahim likes it at Barca and is playing."

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