Barcelona 'not taking up Kevin-Prince Boateng option'

Barcelona have reportedly decided against signing Kevin-Prince Boateng on a permanent deal in this summer's transfer window.

Boateng arrived at Camp Nou from Sassuolo during the January transfer window, with the 32-year-old signed on loan to provide back-up for Luis Suarez.

According to Football Italia, the deal included an option to make the move permanent for £7.1m at the end of the season but Barca will not be activating the clause.

The attacker scored five times for Sassuolo in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign. However, he struggled to contribute for Barca, making just four appearances for the Catalan giants.

Ernesto Valverde's side are believed to be in the market for a new striker this summer, though, with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford again being linked with a switch to Spain.

Neymar, meanwhile, is also reportedly desperate to re-join the Spanish champions from Paris Saint-Germain.