Pau Cubarsi is reportedly intending to pen a new long-term contract at Barcelona, despite interest from the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
With his 17th birthday only coming in January, the centre-back was not expected to become an important member of the first-team ranks at this stage of his career.
Furthermore, reports emerged several months ago that Chelsea were contemplating trying to sign the teenager, aware of Barcelona's ongoing financial issues.
However, in 12 starts and three substitute outings in all competitions, Cubarsi has given every indication that he could become a mainstay in the starting lineup.
Since January 31, Barcelona have not lost a single game in which Cubarsi has featured, with the defender completing the full 90 minutes on nine occasions.
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Cubarsi contract situation
As it stands, the recently-capped Spain international has a contract until 2026, more than enough leeway in the short term for Barcelona to reject any interest.
Nevertheless, Barcelona officials are in a position where they are attempting to improve their financial position in the short term and plan for the future in the long.
According to Mundo Deportivo, that has led to the relevant parties holding negotiations regarding fresh terms for the starlet.
While the report suggests that there is still work to do in order to reach an agreement, there is an understanding that Cubarsi only has ambitions to remain at Camp Nou.
Had Cubarsi not felt inclined to stay at Barcelona, the Catalan giants would have almost certainly received bids ready to meet his release clause, said to be in the region of €10m (£8.6m).
Barcelona and Cubarsi will seemingly look to put together a suitable package that will see him sign a five-year contract with a new release clause of £1bn.
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A blow for Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain
Once Cubarsi became a first-team star at Barcelona, a move to Chelsea became unrealistic, but Man United and PSG may have felt more encouraged.
United are planning a rebuild in the summer, particularly in defence, and promising Cubarsi first-team football could have theoretically tempted the player into a switch to Old Trafford, like Gerard Pique did in the past.
PSG are managed by former Barcelona player and boss Luis Enrique, and Cubarsi would have been confident of being regularly used by his compatriot at Parc des Princes.
Providing that Cubarsi goes through with the intended contract renewal, he is effectively being taken off the market for a number of years, ending speculation in the process.
Darren Plant
