Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed the club want to offer a new contract to Ousmane Dembele.
The winger's current terms are set to expire at the end of the campaign and he's been linked with a number of clubs as of late, including Liverpool.
If Dembele didn't agree an extension with Barcelona before January 2022, then he would be free to hold discussions with clubs overseas with a view to signing a pre-contract and a free transfer in the summer.
Liverpool have long been linked with the France international winger, although his stock has fallen significantly in recent years.
Dembele was rated as one of the most exciting prospects in European football when he moved to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, although a litany of injury issues have prevented him from nailing down a place in the team.
This season he is yet to make an appearance for the Blaugrana, as he is suffering with a hamstring problem. He is expected to return in a couple of weeks.
Nevertheless, Koeman has confirmed the club wants him to agree a new deal.
"What’s most important is that we want him to stay," said Koeman of the 24-year-old, per Football Espana.
"It’s important and he has quality. The objective is to renew. Another thing is, if he doesn’t want to renew, we have to speak as a club what the best way forward is. Still, we have not spoken of what our strategy will be if he doesn’t renew."
Barcelona moved on Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann in the summer, meaning there is a chance for Dembele to seize if he can stay fit.
However, it's his constant absences with fitness issues that will likely put off a number of high-profile clubs making a move for him should he be available.
