Real Madrid's bid to land Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur for a world record fee in the region of 100 million euros is out of place in the current economic climate, Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said on Saturday.
"Bale's a very good player," the Argentine told a news conference when asked about Real's pursuit of the Welsh winger.
"The numbers are lack of respect to the world in general."
Barca, Real's arch-rivals, splashed 57 million euros on their major signing of the close season to date, Brazil forward Neymar.
Nine-times European Cup winners Real appear to be close to securing the signature of Bale with local media reporting that after weeks of negotiations an agreement has been reached with Spurs, pending a final confirmation.
The player is expected to be presented next week probably after Real's next league match away to Granada on Monday evening.
Champions Barca travel to play Malaga on Sunday, but will do so without World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, who is recovering from a bruised left thigh.
The Argentine struggled with injury at the end of last season and concerns have been raised that his latest setback, when he was substituted at halftime in the Spanish Super Cup first leg on Wednesday, was a recurrence of a hamstring problem.
"Honestly, I am not worried (about Messi) because I think he is fine," said Martino, who indicated it was purely precautionary.
"He has been fine since day one and he has been working during his holiday. He got here fit and he has been training every day.
"What happened the other day was coincidence. I think it is totally unnecessary to take risks at the start of the season."
Barca drew 1-1 away to King's Cup winners Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup first leg, and host the return leg on Wednesday bidding for the first piece of silverware of the new season.
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