Barcelona are reportedly struggling to make progress in contract negotiations with Ousmane Dembele.

With the France international's contract due to expire next summer, the Catalan giants are eager to agree fresh terms before January.

However, it has been claimed over the past 24 hours that Newcastle United are willing to offer the winger a big-money contract if he agrees to sign on a free transfer in 2022.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have lost trust in the motives of Dembele's agent, who they feel has already spoken to the new Magpies hierarchy.

The Premier League outfit can only formally open discussions with Dembele when he enters the final six months of his contract at the turn of the year.

Injury has prevented Dembele from making a single appearance during the current campaign. body check tags ::