Xavi demands Barcelona tie Gavi down to new contract

Barcelona head coach Xavi has demanded for the club's hierarchy to tie down teenage starlet Gavi to a new contract.

The 17-year-old's current deal expires in June 2023 and includes a €50m (£42.5m) release clause, which is believed to be attracting interest from a number of elite European clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Gavi is enjoying a breakthrough season with the Catalan giants and has established himself as an important first-team member under Xavi, who is desperate to see the midfielder commit his long-term future at Camp Nou.

Speaking to Marca, Xavi said: "We must act now to renew him. If necessary, we put money together. He and Ansu [Fati], Pedri, [Ronald] Araujo are important for us.

"He is one of the players of the future of the club. The entity is working on its renovation."

A previous report has claimed that it is "only a matter of time" before an agreement is reached between both parties for Gavi to sign a new contract and set a significantly higher release clause.

The teenager has made 21 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona this season, scoring once and registering three assists.