Denis Suarez vows to fight for Barcelona place despite Roma links

Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez has told Marca he wants to stay and fight for his place amid reports that Italian club Roma are interested in signing him.

Suarez, 23, rejoined Barca from Villarreal last summer but struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team.

Diario Sport reported that Roma sporting director Monchi, who took Suarez to Sevilla three years ago, wants to bring him to Serie A.

But Suarez said he had no intention of leaving despite a disappointing second half of last season, adding: "I played a lot at the beginning of the season, then after Christmas I was at a good level, scoring and creating goals.

"But then my progression slowed down. I wasn't in the squad as much. There's a lot of really good midfielders at Barca, but you always have to look at the positives.

"I'm at a great club, I've had a year to learn and adapt and now next season I will fight to the death. My target is to be a success at Barca. I'm going to fight to be a regular."

Suarez said he hoped the appointment of Ernesto Valverde as Luis Enrique's successor would prove to be good news for him.

"A lot of names were mentioned when Luis Enrique said he was going, but the one I liked the most was Ernesto's," he added.

"I think he's a sensible manager. He's always taken a chance on young players, given opportunities to those who work hard and deserve it, plus he knows Barca and La Liga."

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