Liverpool and Manchester City explore Gavi transfer amid Barcelona contract woes – Paper Round

Barca could lose Gavi for free

Liverpool and Manchester City have been put on red alert after it was revealed that Barcelona encountered a problem with Gavi’s contract. The 18-year-old signed a new deal at the start of the season, but it is reportedly invalid after it was registered incorrectly with La Liga. A Catalan court has now ruled against the club, meaning Gavi could end up leaving for free the Camp Nou this summer.

“The Catalan club did not lodge the player’s new contract within the specified time period and missed the ‘grace period’ of one day. The club can appeal this decision, but for now the situation is at a deadlock.

“The legal ruling – which Barca contest and insist is not a final decision – means that the huge release clause in Gavi’s new contract is not currently valid – and that could enable one of the 18-year-old’s numerous admirers to pinch him for nothing in the summer.

“Liverpool – alongside Manchester City – are great admirers of the player and have been given encouragement by the latest development of his contractual situation, which may allow them to pounce.”

Laporta’s secret meeting

Barcelona president Joan Laporta and director of football Mateu Alemany have already started planning the Catalan club’s summer transfer business and reportedly met with super agent Jorge Mendes in Porto on Tuesday. The Barca duo discussed a number of Mendes clients, including their top target Bernardo Silva, who they hope to tempt from Manchester City.

“One of the priorities would be Bernardo Silva, who is very much liked by the coach and was of interest in the past window.

“Both Barca’s president and director of football discussed the renewal of [Alejandro] Balde, the future of Ansu Fati, who has already been offered to several Premier League teams, and the cases of the on-loan [Francisco] Trincao and Nico [Gonzalez].”

Arsenal to extend Xhaka contract

Arsenal are confident of reaching an agreement to active a 12-month extension in Granit Xhaka’s contract. The 30-year-old’s current deal runs until 2024, but there is a clause in the contract that allows it to be extended by another year. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to reward Xhaka with the extension due to his impressive campaign so far as the Gunners chase the Premier League title.

“That decision will not be affected by the club‘s ambitious plans to launch an £80million bid for West Ham skipper Declan Rice in the summer.

Three Lions linked with U-21 job

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley has thrown his long-term future into doubt as the Mail reveal he will consider his position after the European Championships this summer. The FA are making preparations for the possibility of Carsley resigning and have earmarked ex-England internationals Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker as potential replacements.

“It has long been the governing body’s ambition to draft more former international players under their umbrella.

“All three are out work and are likely to consider a position with the U21s if Carsley leaves.”