Barcelona 'want £430m release clause in new Gavi contract'

Barcelona reportedly want to insert a release clause of £430m into a new contract for midfield protege Gavi.

The 17-year-old has been thrust into first-team action amid Barcelona's injury woes this term and has already made seven appearances in all competitions this season.

Gavi has also earned a call-up to the Spain national team for Wednesday's UEFA Nations League semi-final with Italy, and Barca are supposedly keen to fend off potential suitors with a new deal for the teenager.

Gavi's existing deal at Camp Nou is due to expire in the summer of 2023, and according to Sport, Barca want to tie the youngster down until the end of the 2025-26 season with a £426m release clause.

The report adds that Barca have already begun discussions with Gavi's camp, but FIFA stipulations over long-term contracts for players under 18 means that a three-year deal with the option of another two years is likely to be on the table.

The La Masia graduate assisted Ronald Araujo's equaliser in a La Liga draw with Granada last month, and Barca are reportedly confident that he will pen fresh terms with the club.