Valverde: I hope Barcelona don't sign Aduriz

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has admitted he hopes Barcelona don’t think about making a January move for his in-form striker Aritz Aduriz.

The 34-year-old scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Madrid to take his total to 20 for the season already.

Since re-joining Athletic from Valencia in 2012 he has been more prolific than at any other stage in his career.

He scored 18 goals in his first two seasons back at San Mames, before registering 26 last term - his highest tally as a professional.

However, with December on the horizon, Aduriz is only six goals away from matching that tally following a flying start to new season.

”We have to hope that Barcelona don't sign Aduriz because he represents the culmination of the way we play,” Valverde said after the win against Rayo.

“We are very fortunate to have him in the team - for every year that passes, he gets better and better.

“He has great belief in his ability, provides a fantastic outlet and is a treasure for us.”

Barça are reportedly keen to sign a new forward in January to provide back up for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar following the departure of Pedro Rodriguez to Chelsea in the summer.