Barcelona 'tried to sell Ousmane Dembele to Manchester City last summer'

Barcelona reportedly attempted to sell Ousmane Dembele to Manchester City last summer, as the Catalan outfit tried to ease their financial problems.

The France international has still not signed a new deal at Camp Nou, meaning that, as it stands, he will be free to discuss a pre-contract at a foreign club in January.

The 24-year-old has only made one appearance for Barcelona this season, recovering from a knee injury to feature against Dynamo Kiev on November 2 before picking up a hamstring issue.

Manchester United and Juventus are both believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments, with Dembele potentially becoming available on a free transfer next year.

However, according to TV3, Man City were in talks over a move for the World Cup winner last year.

The report claims that Aymeric Laporte and Raheem Sterling were discussed as possible makeweights in a move for Dembele, but the La Liga outfit wanted a straight cash deal, which did not interest Pep Guardiola's side.

New Barcelona boss Xavi said that he is desperate for the Frenchman to sign a new deal at Camp Nou when questioned on him during Monday's unveiling.