Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly the latest team to show an interest in signing Barcelona attacker Ansu Fati.
Regarded as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi after bursting onto the scene in Catalonia as a teenager, the 20-year-old's progress has since been hampered by a number of serious injuries.
With Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Gavi and Ousmane Dembele also competing for starts in Xavi's frontline, Fati has only played a peripheral role in the current campaign, and his long-term future is being called into question.
Back in 2021, Barcelona tied Fati down to a new long-term deal until 2027 - with the option of an additional two years - including a mammoth €1bn (£880m) release clause.
However, with the Spain international failing to become an undisputed starter at Camp Nou, his father has blasted Barcelona and has implored his son to seek out new opportunities elsewhere.
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Barca boss Xavi has consistently affirmed that Fati can blossom into an important player for La Blaugrana, but the attacker will be left with a decision to make this summer if his playing situation shows no signs of improving.
Spanish outlet Fichajes goes as far to say that Barcelona would be willing to sell Fati during the upcoming transfer window, as La Blaugrana must significantly trim their wage bill before bringing any new players to the club.
The report adds that Tottenham have been alerted to the Spaniard's situation and could be tempted to make an offer this summer, when Villarreal loanee Arnaut Danjuma will return to his parent club.
Furthermore, Richarlison is without a Premier League goal since making the move to Spurs from Everton, while Harry Kane's long-term future is still shrouded in uncertainty.
Should one or both of those two players depart in the upcoming window, Tottenham would step up their pursuit of Fati, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City and AC Milan.
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Man United - who are on course for Champions League qualification - are said to be the favourites to sign Fati at this stage, and Spurs would be at an immediate disadvantage should they fail to finish in the top four.
Fati left Sevilla's youth academy in 2012 to move to Barca's famed La Masia setup, and the 20-year-old has since made 99 senior appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 26 goals and providing nine assists.
Having consigned his previous fitness struggles to history, Fati has already played 41 times for Barcelona in the current campaign - scoring seven goals and setting up three more - but he has only made 11 starts in the current La Liga season.
The Spain international also started just two of Barcelona's Champions League group-stage games, and he was brought off the bench for both legs of their Europa League playoff loss to Man United.
Fati is in line to make his 100th appearance for Barcelona when the La Liga table-toppers take on Getafe away from home on Sunday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
