Ousmane Dembele 'returns early for pre-season training to prove Barcelona worth'

Ousmane Dembele has reportedly cut short his holiday to start his pre-season preparations early in an attempt to win over Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.

The French forward is rumoured to have angered Barca staff with his poor punctuality last season as he turned up late to training on multiple occasions.

Dembele's fitness has also proved a problem in his two campaigns at Camp Nou since joining from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £135.5m.

Spanish daily Sport claims that the 22-year-old is desperate to prove himself, however, and he is already back at Barca's training complex working alongside a coach.

The rest of Barcelona's first-team players are not due to report for training until Sunday.