Ernesto Valverde has hit out at Pep Guardiola after Barcelona-bound Frenkie De Jong claimed to have spoken to the Manchester City boss about a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
De Jong told Dutch broadcaster NOS he had spurned interest from French champions Paris Saint Germain, adding "I also spoke with Guardiola about a move to Man City."
De Jong's revelation has infuriated Valverde, who lashed out at former Barcelona boss Guardiola for appearing to act improperly.
"You can't call a player who already has a contract," Valverde said.
"It isn't my code of conduct to call a player who is under contract with another club. If I do it, I won't say it. If the player says it then it is his problem.
"I have nothing to say about it. Everybody has a different way of doing things. This club acts in a certain way. And I have nothing to say about it."
Guardiola has been targeting a midfield signing since last summer when Manchester City failed to land Italy international Jorginho, who opted to join Chelsea instead.