Barcelona midfielder Gavi is set to snub offers from top Premier League clubs to stay with the La Liga side, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old played 47 matches for La Blaugrana last season, scoring twice, and made his debut for Spain throughout the course of the campaign.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United were all in for the midfielder called a "phenomenon" and compared to Xavi and Iniesta by Graham Hunter, but it looks like he is set to stay in Spain for the time being.
He was linked to a move to the Reds this summer as his release clause was around £50m, but according to Romano, he confirmed that his future will be in Catalonia.
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The journalist said via Twitter: “Gavi, prepared to sign new contract with Barcelona very soon. After long negotiation, discussions are finally moving to the key stages to get it signed."
Been told there’s no panic on other club rumours — Barça consider Gavi new deal as matter of [short, now] time.”
Although it seems a little inevitable, Liverpool will be disappointed to miss out on a player like Gavi who could have become a stalwart in their midfield.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all in their final year of their contract, and the Reds will need to pursue other options next summer to replace them.
Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are ageing, whilst Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are all for the future.
A player like Gavi, or their long-standing target Jude Bellingham, will be called for next summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to refresh his squad for the coming years.
For the Barcelona man, he will now look to emulate the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in becoming an icon at the Camp Nou. With fellow youngster Pedri beside him, it is quite possible.
Chris Stonadge