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Juanfran focusing on Deportivo La Coruna despite Barcelona link

Juanfran says speculation linking him with Barcelona is "not easy" but insists he's only focusing on Deportivo La Coruna's league game at Leganes on Saturday.

Rules in Spain would permit Barca to make an emergency signing after they were left without right-back Aleix Vidal for the rest of the season.

Local reports say Juanfran has emerged as the Catalan club's top target, but the former Real Madrid player is keeping his mind on this weekend's match, which pits the two clubs immediately above the relegation zone against each other.

"It's not an easy situation, I won't lie to anyone," he told La Opinion when asked about Barca's supposed interest.

"But I am focused on the Leganes game. That's all I am giving importance to -- we've got a lot to play for.

"I have never given more importance to a personal issue than a collective one. We've got too much to play for to think about other things."

Pressed on the chances of moving to Camp Nou before the end of the month -- Barca have until March 2 to make a signing to replace Vidal -- Juanfran claimed he wasn't personally aware of any interest.

"I don't want to talk about rumours or if there is interest," he said. "I am focused on my job, for anything else I have my representatives. My agents haven't said anything to me, so I'm calm.

"I've heard a lot of good things this week, but it's not easy. At the end of the day you have to focus on what is important and what it is you do which makes people talk well of you, which is to perform for Depor."

Teammate Luisinho said Juanfran "should not be able to leave because the transfer window has closed" amid Barcelona's continued interest the week.

Restrictions mean that anyone the Blaugrana move for must either already be registered to compete in the Spanish league or without a club.

Juanfran, 28, is on loan at Depor from Watford, who have an option to sign him permanently in the summer.

But Marca reported that Barca are prepared to pay the Premier League club €8 million, more than the price agreed with Depor.

Barca coach Luis Enrique has confirmed the club are looking into signing a right-back and Diario Sport reported that he has had several meetings with sporting director Robert Fernandez to discuss the options.