Andre Villas-Boas has played down speculation that he might become the new Barcelona manager after Tito Vilanova’s departure from the Catalan club for health reasons, The Telegraph reports.

Barca president Sandro Rosell told a press conference yesterday that Vilanova, Pep Guardiola’s former No 2, who took over last season and led the club to a record points haul and goals record as they won the league, needs to concentrate on his battle with cancer.

Rosell added that results from tests carried out in New York where Vilanova was treated last season have persuaded the 44-year-old that he can no longer carry on. The team have cancelled their first pre-season friendly against Lechia Gdansk due to be played today.

Assistant coach Rubí, signed in the summer from second division Girona is an option and Tottenham’s Villas-Boas and Swansea’s Michael Laudrup were also linked with the vacant post yesterday.

However, Villas-Boas refused to state whether he would be interested.

“It’s a very difficult situation and all of my wishes are with Tito,” said the Portuguese after a 0-0 friendly at Colchester. “If he has to resign for a situation of illness it’s not the moment to speak about any speculation whatsoever. It’s not even a question, we are speaking about a person’s health.”