Giovinco's agent: No loan move; Barcelona interest was 'nothing too in-depth'

Could Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco link up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez at Barcelona?

After a strong 2015 season in Major League Soccer, Giovinco's agent Andrea D'Amico says the "Atomic Ant" has caught the eye of the reigning champions of Europe, if only just that.

"There was interest, but nothing too in-depth," D'Amico reportedly said of Barcelona's inquiries regarding Giovinco. "It's a little amazing that these kinds of teams didn't get in touch with him before he went on his adventure in North America. But right now he's concentrated on his decision (to play for Toronto FC)."

Giovinco won the Golden Boot in his first year in MLS, scoring 22 goals and recording 16 assists, and is also a finalist for the MLS Most Valuable Player award. Such was Giovinco's contributions to the team he guided to its first franchise playoff appearance, snapping an eight-year skid.

He and U.S. national team regulars Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore formed the crux of Toronto in what was a long regular season filled with international call-ups.

With the 2016 Euro Cup approaching next summer, Italy manager Antonio Conte will be looking to craft a roster of 23 players in the coming months. As Toronto FC is off until next March, that leaves Giovinco without much playing time to make his case.

Could Giovinco opt for a loan move back to Italy?

"No. Absolutely not," D'Amico said. "Giovinco made a decision of which he's absolutely convinced and with which he's happy. And on top of that, Toronto FC have invested in him for a project that is not based on single moments or buzz.

"So now they go on vacation and they start preparations again in Florida at the end of January to get ready for the next season and to do even better."