Barcelona 'ready to sell' Man Utd and Liverpool target for cut-price fee despite Xavi plea

Barcelona are 'ready to sell' one of their major stars in a cut-price deal this summer, handing a transfer boost to Liverpool and Manchester United.

The La Liga leaders remain in financial trouble and could be forced to sell several stars in order to reduce their wage bill.

It has put several clubs around Europe on alert, with the potential to sign quality stars and reduced prices.

One of the players the Catalan giants could sell is winger Ansu Fati, who could be available for as little as £53m, according to Spanish outlet Sport as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Premier League rivals Liverpool and United could be set to battle it out for the 20-year-old's signature with reports last month revealing that they had both already 'made contact' with the player.

The Spanish international has a bright future ahead of him, but in his 36 appearances for the club this season he's only been directly involved in nine goals.

Xavi wants Fati to stay

Despite the speculation, crucially his manager Xavi wants him to remain at the club and last month ruled out a move to United.

He came on as a substitute in both legs of Barcelona's recent Europa League play-off tie against the Red Devils but wasn't able to influence the outcome of the fixtures as they were knocked out of the competition.

Raphinha, who arrived from Leeds United last summer, has been the preferred option on the right wing with both Pedri and Gavi also keeping Fati out of the team.

Speaking about his future, as reported by Forbes, Xavi said: "No, no, no... Things will work out for him, we have to be patient.

"Ansu is a spectacular asset to the club. We trust him a lot, he is working very well. I am very happy with his tremendous mentality in training, but be patient.

"He is 20 years old and needs time, like everyone else. Things will work out for him, now is not the time to talk about sales."

Fati might have the backing of his manager but Barcelona are in a desperate situation where they need to generate money quickly.

It's a decision, however, that might be taken out of Xavi's hands and for a cut-price fee he would generate a lot of interest.