Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has informed Dani Alves that he is part of his plans for the upcoming season.

The Brazilian international recently admitted that he was disappointed by Barca's failure to dismiss speculation linking him with moves to Premier League champions Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala.

However, Vilanova has insisted that he was unaware of the full-back's unhappiness.

"If I had known Dani Alves felt upset, I would have gotten in touch with him to assure him about his future at the club. Next time I will definitely do so," the boss told reporters.

"There have never been any doubts about his future, not by me and not by the club. He is the best right-back in the world in my opinion."

Alves, 29, joined Barca in 2008 from Sevilla.

Written by
Liam Apicella