Barcelona and La Liga release statements on confusing Dani Olmo transfer saga amid club's search for extension to registration deadline - with free agency threat still looming

Barcelona issued a statement earlier on New Year's Eve in which they claimed that they had requested a new registration licence for both Olmo and Pau Victor, having used a financial lever to register him initially, using the salary space freed up by the injured Andreas Christensen, but that registration expires at midnight on December 31. Now, conflicting statements have been issued in regards to the Spain international's future from both the club and the league.

Barcelona said: "FC Barcelona informs that it has applied for a new license for the players Daniel Olmo and Pau Víctor to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Club would like to deny having requested or receiving any moratorium to any governing body for these inscriptions."

La Liga claims that Olmo simply cannot be registered, despite reports having claimed, initially, that a two-day extension had been granted to the club.

Their statement read: “La Liga informs that, as of today, December 31, FC Barcelona has not presented any alternative that, in compliance with La Liga's economic control regulations, would allow it to register any player from next January 2."

There is now some confusion over whether Olmo can continue playing for Barcelona or if he will be released into free agency. His agent has claimed that the playmaker wants to stay and cannot imagine making a transfer in January. Barca had received a cash injection of around €100m (£83m/$104m) after striking a deal to sell VIP seating but that does not appear to have been enough to satisfy La Liga.

Barcelona play lower-league Copa del Rey side Barbastro on Saturday. They then play Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. Whether Olmo is involved remains to be seen.