Barcelona boss Xavi has branded Ansu Fati "a spectacular asset" for the club amid the recent speculation surrounding the forward's future at Camp Nou.
The 20-year-old has found it difficult to show his best form for the Catalan giants this season, contributing just six goals and three assists in 30 appearances in all competitions.
Fati has only three goals and three assists in 19 La Liga outings, and according to Sport, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the Spain international's future.
The report claims that the 20-time English champions will move for the attacker this summer if it becomes clear that Barcelona are open to a sale.
However, the Catalan outfit are in a strong position when it comes to his future, with the youngster on a deal until June 2027, with the option of an additional two years.
© Reuters
Xavi has said that Barcelona 'trust Fati a lot' and will "be patient" when it comes to his development.
"Things will work out for him, we have to be patient, he is a spectacular asset for the club, we trust him a lot, he is working very well, he has a tremendous mentality in training, but we need to be patient," Xavi told reporters during Saturday's pre-match press conference.
"He is 20 years old and needs time, like everyone else. This is not the time to talk about sales."
Fati was on the sidelines between November 2020 and September 2021 due to a serious knee injury, while he was also absent for long periods towards the end of 2021 and early 2022 due to hamstring issues.
The Spain international has found it difficult to regain the form that he showed before the long absence.
© Reuters
However, Fati will not turn 21 until October, and he has already made 88 appearances for Barcelona's first team, scoring 25 goals and contributing nine assists in the process.
Frenkie de Jong is another player who was strongly linked with Man United last summer, but the Netherlands international remained at Camp Nou, and Xavi has also been full of praise for the central midfielder.
"I have always said that he has a huge potential to do whatever he wants in midfield. He has quality, he's quick and strong," said the head coach.
"He is one of the best midfielders in the world. He's a player I've always liked, he's one of the players who has played the most since I arrived."
Both Fati and De Jong are in the Barcelona squad for Sunday's La Liga contest with Sevilla at Camp Nou.
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic