Liverpool's hopes of signing Barcelona wonderkid Gavi appear to have hit a roadblock with the Catalan club pushing to give him a new contract.
The Reds have been strongly linked with the 17-year-old, who has been a core part of Xavi's turnaround at the Nou Camp.
Mostly deployed as a central-midfielder, Gavi can also play on either wing, as he has done in all competitions this season.
But the teenager only has 18 months left to run on his contract, which sees him earn just £1,600-a-week, and also includes an alarmingly low release clause.
It is understood that Gavi has a release clause in his current deal that means interested parties can begin discussions for just £42million.
El Nacional claimed last month that Liverpool would be willing to offer him a massive wage rise to £80,000-a-week, and that he is uncertain where his future may lie due to Barca's financial struggles.
But now reports from Sport claim Xavi is desperate to hand him a contract extension and increase his release clause.
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo report that Gavi and centre-back Ronald Araujo have made it clear to Xavi they want to stay at the Nou Camp beyond this summer and sign a new contract.
Xavi has been understandably highly impressed by Gavi's performances this season, and insisted that he "has no ceiling" as he continues to go from strength to strength.
“The way [Gavi] plays the game is spectacular and he has ambition and personality”, Xavi said back in December, via Marca.
“He is the future of this club. But not only him, also [Ronald] Araujo, [Alex] Balde, Nico [Gonzalez], [Ez] Abde. They are the future of the team and the club. They are a fantastic generation.
“They are the future of the team and the club. They are a fantastic generation. At that age I was scared, but they are wonderful.
“Gavi is a difference maker and I’m delighted to have him, but I don’t want to compare him to anyone. He has no ceiling.”
