Barcelona take significant step towards getting Dembele to sign a new contract

Barcelona took a positive step on Saturday night towards securing Ousmane Dembele to a new contract on a substantial pay cut.

A meeting between the France international's agent Moussa Sissoko and the club earlier in the week had failed to bring a solution despite coach Xavi pushing for an agreement.

However, a fresh meeting on Saturday saw all parties edge towards a common ground and there is a strong belief an accord can be found once a few minor differences are ironed out and director of football Mateu Alemany gives the green light.

Dembele, 25, is officially a free agent after his Barcelona contract expired and has interest from Chelsea and Paris St Germain.

However, he has been keen to stay at Barcelona after a personal plea from Xavi, who wants the player's future resolved ahead of pre-season starting on Monday.

Dembele signed for Barcelona in 2017 and has made 150 appearances for the club, scoring 52 goals.

Barcelona are also still looking to sign winger Raphinha from Leeds.

Chelsea agreed a fee of £55million plus add-ons for Raphinha but Barcelona, the player's preferred destination, countered with an offer on Thursday.

Leeds have still to accept that offer as it is understood to amount to £51m paid in instalments of £17.2m. Players have also been mooted in exchange.

Chelsea, who expect a Barcelona approach for left-back Marcos Alonso, will not wait too long as they have other targets to pursue rather than be dragged into another saga.