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Barcelona are not planning to sell Ousmane Dembele (Sport)

  /  autty

You can say it louder but you can't be more clear: Ousmane Dembele is not for sale. Barcelona remain confident in the France forward and, SPORT have learned, the chances of him leaving in January are slim.

Barça recognise that it's been a tough adpation. Recently, the player was late for another pre-game. Rafinha's form has limited his role even with Lionel Messi injured after he struggled against Sevilla.

However, Barça have not lost patience. They understand he's still young (21) and has had difficulties. Many players struggle in their frist year and then kick on.

Without looking further, Dembele's compatriot, Thierry Henry, lived a similar experience in his first season at Camp Nou.

Barcelona feel that Dembele has evolved since he signed. He's not quite at the level they want, but he's getting there. In the Clasico, for example, his role was note-worthy and helped to kill off Real Madrid -- he played a part in two of the goals, setting up one directly.

As many clubs may want him, Ernesto Valverde has not thrown in the towel on Dembele, who is getting closer to his teammates. His integration continues and his teammates are also optimistic.