Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their hopes of signing Ansu Fati, with Barcelona ready to sell the attacker.
Fati burst onto the scene in 2019, becoming Barca's youngest player in more than 80 years when he made his debut. He also set the club record for being their youngest goalscorer and has featured heavily under Xavi this season.
The 20-year-old has made 40 appearances in all competitions and scored as Barca smashed Elche last week. But his progress has been stunted by injury in recent seasons, missing an astonishing 86 games since he made his debut due to various issues.
Xavi has increasingly favoured Gavi and Raphinha as his wide players though, with Sport reporting Fati is growing frustrated as a result. His problems with breaing into Xavi's plans have led to Barca putting him on their transfer list.
It is said that the LaLiga leaders are 'open' to listening to offers for the Spain international. They are preparing for a 'revolution' in attack, with big names set to sold to fund their summer business.
Club president Joan Laporta has already revealed that those who are playing the fewest minutes will be most at risk of leaving the Nou Camp. There are several teams in the race to sign him, with United currently seen as the frontrunners.
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Tensions have been growing between Fati's camp and Barca, though the attacker is keen to stay in Catalonia. But that decision will be taken out of his hands if a high bid is submitted, with Barca refusing to rule anything out.
Xavi is pushing for another summer splurge with moves for several international players. But it has been made clear to him that economic resources will be needed to fund such business.
If Fati is sold, it would mark quite the U-turn for Xavi, who rubbished suggestions he would leave just two months ago. Ahead of a clash with Villarreal, the Barca boss insisted the attacker remained a key player.
"I don't understand why this is being talked about now in our press conferences. There is no transfer window now so Ansu is not for sale. He is a very important player for us now and for the future," he said in February.
"I have extraordinary confidence in him. Whether he has more or fewer minutes will depend on his performance. I really have blind faith in him. He will be a very important player for the present and the future.
"But he must be patient. There is too much rushing in everything. The January market has ended and I don't know why we are talking about this. We have to be focused on what we are at stake. For me it is clear that he must continue."
