Celta Vigo sporting director Miguel Torrecilla is hopeful that the club can extend the loan of Barcelona attacker Rafinha for a further season.
The 21-year-old, who joined Celta from Barcelona at the start of the season, has been one of the standout performers in La Liga over the last couple of months.
It is understood that the Brazilian-born forward will form part of Barcelona's first-team squad next season, but Torrecilla hopes that his loan stay can be extended.
"We know that this is a situation that doesn't depend on us, because it's a loan without an option to buy. Barcelona are closely monitoring his progress and Celta will look to extend his loan for an additional year, but we know it won't be easy," Torrecilla told reporters at a press conference.
"The first thing we need to know is if Barcelona is open to the possibility, but now it's too early to talk about it because they are immersed in various competitions."
Rafinha is the brother of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago.
Matt Law
