Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has ruled out the singing of Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain after claiming he does not meet the criteria to join the Spanish club.

The 32-year-old, whose contract is set to expire later this year, was linked with a move to La Liga after reports suggested that he may qualify to play for Athletic through his great-grandfather of Basque descent.

However, the sporting director told Onda Cero: "I wish he was born or formed here, but he does not meet those two criteria.

"A grandparent does not qualify you right now. I don't know if it will one day, but now it does not."

Currently, the rules state that only players born in the region are allowed to represent the club, ruling out any potential move for the Argentina international.

The forward has also been linked with potential moves to both Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League.