Barcelona reportedly attempted to sell Ousmane Dembele to Manchester City last summer, as the Catalan outfit tried to ease their financial problems.
The France international has still not signed a new deal at Camp Nou, meaning that, as it stands, he will be free to discuss a pre-contract at a foreign club in January.
The 24-year-old has only made one appearance for Barcelona this season, recovering from a knee injury to feature against Dynamo Kiev on November 2 before picking up a hamstring issue.
Manchester United and Juventus are both believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments, with Dembele potentially becoming available on a free transfer next year.
However, according to TV3, Man City were in talks over a move for the World Cup winner last year.
The report claims that Aymeric Laporte and Raheem Sterling were discussed as possible makeweights in a move for Dembele, but the La Liga outfit wanted a straight cash deal, which did not interest Pep Guardiola's side.
New Barcelona boss Xavi said that he is desperate for the Frenchman to sign a new deal at Camp Nou when questioned on him during Monday's unveiling.
Matt Law
