MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 11:39:35| >> :60:801:801:

Barcelona 'to step up Gavi contract discussions this week'

Barcelona 'to step up Gavi contract discussions this week'
© Reuters
Barcelona will accelerate contract talks with Gavi's agent before the end of the week, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to accelerate contract talks with Gavi's agent, as the Catalan giants desperately attempt to sign the teenager to a fresh deal.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Camp Nou, making 43 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.

Gavi's contract with the Catalan giants is due to expire in June 2023, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent months.

Manchester United are believed to view the youngster as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba, while Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to be admirers.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gavi wants to remain at Barcelona, and the midfielder's agent will meet with the club 'in the coming days' in the hope of coming to an agreement.

Gavi pictured for Barcelona on December 18, 2021© Reuters

Romano claims that the discussions between the two parties will enter 'into final details to find the best solution', as Gavi is believed to want a wage that reflects his importance to the team.

Pedri's injury problems this term have seen the youngster take on a key role for Barcelona, making 30 appearances in La Liga, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.

The youngster also featured six times in the Champions League and five times in the Europa League, but Xavi's side ultimately suffered disappointment in both European competitions.

Gavi became Spain's youngest ever player last October, meanwhile, and he is in a strong position to secure a spot in the La Roja squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Spain midfielder Gavi pictured in November 2021© Reuters

The Spaniard is believed to have scored 95 times for Real Betis' youth team, which brought him to the attention of a number of leading clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

However, he made the move to Barcelona at the age of 11, progressing through the various youth teams at the Catalan club before making his Barcelona B debut in February 2021.

Gavi's first-team debut came in August 2021, meanwhile, and he could potentially finish the 2021-22 campaign having made 47 appearances for Xavi's side.

Premier League clubs are still believed to be keeping a close eye on developments, though, with Barcelona unable to offer a huge salary due to their financial problems.

Gavi's alleged desire to stay at Camp Nou puts his current side in a strong position, though, and the club's head coach Xavi has consistently been optimistic that an agreement will be reached.

ID:484937:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4793:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Gavi

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in October 2021
Read Next:
Barcelona 'set £58m asking price for De Jong'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!