Alves on Tuesday bemoaned Barca's failure to strongly dismiss early off-season talk linking him with big spenders Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala.

Vilanova, who was Pep Guardiola's assistant last term, insists Alves remains a prized asset at the Nou Camp.

"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," Vilanova stated at a press conference.

"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."