Barcelona manager Xavi has confirmed that contract negotiations are ongoing with Ousmane Dembele.
The France international has now entered the final six months of his deal with the Blaugrana and is free to enter negotiations with foreign clubs.
Two unnamed Premier League clubs are reported to be preparing offers for Dembele, with Newcastle United supposedly willing to table a 'monster' contract to convince him to move to the North-East.
Xavi has not given up hope on Dembele signing a new deal, though, telling reporters at a press conference: "We are in negotiations. I still have hope that he'll stay.
"I've spoken with him and I think it's possible that he'll try to stay. Talks are in process, so for now we have to wait. If he renews, we could sign one or two players now. The offer is very good. I don't have a say on the economic side, but Barcelona's offer is an excellent one."
Dembele has struggled to make an impact this season due to injury, registering just two assists in eight appearances across all competitions for Xavi's side.
The 24-year-old is also one of a number of Barca players to have contracted coronavirus ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Mallorca.
Ben Knapton
