Barcelona 'in contact with Franck Kessie's agent'

Barcelona are reportedly "in contact" with midfielder Franck Kessie over a proposed free transfer from AC Milan in the summer.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international is now free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs as his current deal with the Italian giants is set to expire in June.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca have been "in contact" with Kessie's agent since December and they are now waiting for the player to make a final decision over his future.

Romano adds that the race is "still open" for the midfielder's signature as he is yet to reach a full agreement with any club.

Barcelona are not the only team interested in signing Kessie, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also closely monitoring the player's situation.

Kessie has made 208 appearances for Milan across all competitions, scoring 36 goals and providing 16 assists.