Xavi 'regards Ousmane Dembele deal as priority at Barcelona'

Barcelona boss Xavi remains keen for Ousmane Dembele to sign a new long-term contract at Camp Nou.

With his existing deal due to expire at the end of the season, Dembele will soon be in a position where he can hold discussions with foreign teams.

If speculation is to be believed, Liverpool and Newcastle United are among a number of high-profile clubs eager to sign the France international, with the added bonus of a lucrative signing-on fee.

However, according to AS, Xavi wants the Catalan giants to prioritise their efforts to retain the services of the 24-year-old.

Regardless of the player's ongoing injury issues, club legend Xavi wants to help Dembele fulfil his potential at the La Liga club.

Providing that he can eventually prove his fitness, it is suggested that Dembele will be regarded as a key man in Xavi's team.