Barcelona and Atletico Madrid discussed a possible swap of Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix.
The idea was quickly dismissed with clubs blaming the other for initiating the conversation.
Barcelona suggested the idea as Griezmann makes five times as much as Felix.
The two clubs found themselves in precarious financial positions this summer, with Barcelona looking to bring in €70 million in player sales, and Atletico also needing to sell before strengthening their squad.
Griezmann\'s camp remain confident that he will find his best form in his second season at Camp Nou.