Barcelona's hopes of offloading Samuel Umtiti this month have reportedly been ended after the centre-back sustained an injury in training.
The Catalan giants have been attempting to shift Umtiti off their wage bill for some time now, but the player is reluctant to leave and any interested parties have so far been unable to reach an agreement.
The 28-year-old penned a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Camp Nou earlier this month, a deal which included a 10% wage cut and restructuring of his salary, allowing Barcelona to register January arrival Ferran Torres.
However, Xavi is still keen to sell Umtiti, who has made just one appearance all season and only 50 throughout the last four campaigns combined.
Newcastle United had been linked with a move for the France international, but they are now expected to end their interest after learning of his latest injury setback.
Umtiti suffered a broken metatarsal in training, an injury which could rule him out for up to three months.
The defender is now likely to stay at Camp Nou until at least the end of the season.
Barney Corkhill
