Barcelona will test Manchester City’s resolve over Raheem Sterling with a move to take him on loan in January – with a commitment to buy in the summer.
New coach Xavi, who has already brought back former team-mate Dani Alves, told the board he needed three players when he returned to the club earlier this month.
That included an attacking wide midfielder and £55million England ace Sterling is his No.1 target.
And the 26-year-old has made no secret of the fact he will consider his future if he doesn’t get the game time he wants following £100million man Jack Grealish ’s arrival.
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That has encouraged Barca chiefs to come up with their proposal, which would see them cover the total cost of Sterling’s salary for the six-month period – and they will now present it to City.
And while City do not want to loan him out in January, Barca hope their proposal to take him on a permanent basis next summer could twist their arm.
Barcelona also believe that loaning or selling the player abroad will be more appealing to City than allowing him to join a Premier League rival.
Barca want an answer by the end of the first week of December so they can work on other targets if City are unwilling to do business.
