Lopez looking to stay

Maxi Lopez has ruled out joining another team on loan in the January transfer window, despite having so few chances for Barcelona this season.

The Argentinian striker has seen just 14 minutes of first-team action this term, when he made an impressive entrance against Real Betis, setting up the last two goals in the 4-1 win.

Having joined the club in January from River Plate, the powerful striker has seen his opportunities to impress at Camp Nou hampered by the excellent form of Samuel Eto'o and a spate of injuries.

Reports from Spain suggest that both coach Frank Rijkaard and technical secretary, Txiki Beguiristain, would promote a loan move for Maxi, but he has no designs on making a loan move for the second half of the campaign.

"I have no intention of leaving Barca," he said. "I want to stay here and keep fighting for my place.

"This will be a very long season and I am confident that my chance will come."

Rijkaard has stated that he would not rule out Maxi making a temporary move citing the fact that the squad includes Eto'o, Leo Messi, Ronaldinho, Santi Ezquerro and Henrik Larsson.

Beguiristain also supports the idea that the striker join a team where he would be able to play regularly as he was unable to break into the side at Barcelona.