Sergio Busquets is reportedly now seriously considering signing a new deal at Barcelona.
The experienced midfielder's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire next June, and at one stage, it appeared almost certain that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season for pastures new.
Busquets has been strongly linked with a move to the MLS, with the Spain captain said to be looking for a fresh challenge at this stage of his career.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the 34-year-old is now prepared to consider remaining at Camp Nou, with 'all options on the table' at this stage of proceedings.
The report claims that Busquets had decided that he would be leaving Barcelona in 2023, with a January exit possible, but he is now willing to pen a new deal at the club under the right circumstances.
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As it stands, foreign clubs would be able to speak to the midfielder next month, with Inter Miami thought to lead the MLS interest in the player who captained Spain at the 2022 World Cup.
However, Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be desperate to keep hold of his former teammate, while the club's sporting director Jordi Cruyff recently hinted that the club want him to stay.
"He is a super special player, a 'one club man', who has spent his whole life in a club and there comes a time when, with such a special player, the first thing you have is respect for the how and when of the decision you want to make," Cruyff told Mundo Deportivo.
"Obviously, the club is in permanent contact with him and with his agents, which is normal, and when the time comes, a joint decision will be made. But the club does not have the decision, the player has the right to decide and also the contract ends."
Busquets has been in the Barcelona first team since 2008, making 696 appearances for the club in all competitions, contributing 18 goals and 42 assists.
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The midfielder recently said that he was aiming to make a decision on his future "around February".
"It's my last year, I know a lot has been said, but I've always spoken in the same way. I have nothing signed from one side or the other. We'll see how it goes, but around February or so I would like to be clear and decide," he told El Larguero.
Busquets has again been an important player for Barcelona this season, featuring on 16 occasions in all competitions, contributing one assist in the process.
The Spaniard has made 12 La Liga appearances this term, in addition to four outings in the Champions League.
Busquets is expected to be back with the Barcelona squad next Monday following his involvement for Spain at the World Cup in Qatar.
Matt Law
