Barcelona have reportedly been blocked from registering a new contract for Gavi by La Liga, as a result of their financial troubles.
The Catalans have agreed to reward the 18-year-old for his progress, with a contract that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2026, but the Spanish league authorities have refused to sanction the new deal.
ESPN reports that La Liga have turned down the club's request because they have no room in their squad spending limit.
The Spanish giants had planned to slap a £1bn release clause on the 2022 Golden Boy award winner, however, the midfielder is still registered as a youth player, meaning interested clubs like Liverpool could take advantage.
Barcelona hoped that the departures of Gerard Pique and Memphis Depay would free enough space on their wage bill but the league argues that more is needed, and as a result Ronald Araujo's contract extension has also not been ratified yet.
The 17-cap international has featured 27 times for the club so far this season in all competitions, scoring one and assisting five goals.
