Reports emerged in October from RAC1, among others, that Barca had reached a deal to sign the highly rated forward.

They suggested Barca would pay 10 million euros up front with a view to a 40-million euro transfer either in 2013 or after the 2014 World Cup.

But in an interview with Uruguayan newspaper El Pais, the forward himself denied that any such arrangement had been made.

"I have no agreement with Barcelona or anyone else," the Brazil international said.

"The only thing I have signed is with Santos, and I'm happy. They're a big club with whom I'm under contract until 2014.

"The most important thing is to be happy, and I'm with my family. My objective is to help Santos and Brazil, and the best will come with hard work."