Agent Mino Raiola, who has done nothing to play down the possibility of Ibrahimovic leaving the Spanish champions after only one season, claimed coach Josep Guardiola had become an "enemy" of his client, suggesting the striker was being forced out of the club.

But Barca strongly rejected that version of events, and said their lawyers are now looking to void the contract they have with Raiola's company.

"The executive committee of the FC Barcelona board of directors would like to publicly denounce the conduct over the last few days of the agent of our player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sr Mino Raiola,whose declarations have put into question the honour and moral integrity of our coach Josep Guardiola," said a club statement.

"These declarations have affected the relationship between the coach and the player and as a result the willingness of the player to fulfil his obligations. As such the declarations are a flagrant breach of the contract which Sr Raiola's company have with the club for representation and management.

"Our legal department is therefore considering the possibility of rescinding this contract and the cessation of the annual payment Sr Raiola's company receives from the club as part of this agreement."