Barcelona boss Xavi has dealt Liverpool a possible blow ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Reds acted swiftly to sign Luis Diaz from Porto in January and reports have already begun touting the Reds with moves for several players. After all, every club will be looking to sign new players this summer, even those still in with a chance at an unlikely quadruple.
However, Xavi has potentially dampened Liverpool ’s recruitment plans. The Barcelona coach has stated that the club are hoping to agree new deals with rumoured targets Gavi and Ousmane Dembele.
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"Gavi and (Ronald) Araujo are very important to us for the future,” he said in his latest press conference, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. “Barca cannot allow them to leave. I am positive and I want to think that both of them will renew their contract.
"I see Dembele very happy, content and involved. I don't have a single complaint about him and what happens depends on him. He seems a high-level player to me, the best in his position. He knows the project here and if he wants to stay he should talk to the club."
Barcelona starlet Gavi has been consistently linked with a move to Liverpool throughout the season, as reports around the 17-year-old’s contract negotiations continue to surface. The teenager reportedly has a release clause in his current contract, which expires in 2023, with the club eager to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
Ousmane Dembele is another player who has been alleged to be on the Reds’ radar. The France international is in the final year of his current contract and Liverpool were suggested as a possible suitor in January when the 24-year-old looked set to leave the Camp Nou. However, the winger has since registered seven assists across his last five league games.
Xavi’s comments are the latest example of Liverpool and Barcelona being connected through transfer rumours in recent weeks. The Spanish club have been one of several clubs linked with an interest in Mohamed salah, while it has also been suggested that Barcelona have already agreed a deal for reported Liverpool target Raphinha.
