Barcelona are reportedly in pole position to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the summer.
The 25-year-old is now free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs as his current deal at San Siro is set to expire in June.
According to Marca, Kessie has expressed his desire to join Barcelona when his contract expires, despite interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.
The report adds that Milan are preparing to table a contract extension for the Ivory Coast international, but the midfielder's exit from the Italian giants appears to be more likely at this stage.
Kessie is believed to be one of five players who Barca have made enquiries for, as head coach Xavi looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Since joining Milan in 2017 from Atalanta BC, Kessie has made 207 appearances across all competitions, scoring 36 goals and registering 16 assists.
Oliver Thomas
