Barcelona are reportedly closing in on an agreement with Pau Cubarsi over a new deal at Camp Nou.
The 17-year-old only made his first-team debut for the Catalan outfit in January, but he has developed into a vital player for Xavi's side, now featuring on 20 occasions in all competitions.
Cubarsi has cemented his spot in the middle of the Barcelona back four, but there had been some concern over his future due to the alleged presence of a €10m (£8.6m) release clause in his contract.
Manchester United and Manchester City are believed to be among the clubs keen on Cubarsi, with the Premier League giants said to be monitoring his situation at Barcelona.
However, it is understood that the Spaniard's first choice has always been to sign a new and improved deal with Blaugrana, where he has been since 2018 after initially spending time in Girona's youth set-up.
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Barcelona 'close to reaching agreement with Pau Cubarsi'
According to Sport, the centre-back's renewal 'is expected to close this week', although the last details will not be finalised until later in the month.
The report claims that the new contract will rise on a yearly basis, although the additional three years, which would take him until June 2029, cannot be officially signed until he turns 18 in January 2025.
Meanwhile, the defender's release clause is expected to rise from €10m (£8.6m) to €500m (£430.4m).
Cubarsi's form for Barcelona this year saw him earn a call-up to the senior Spain squad in March, and he made his debut during the friendly against Colombia.
The centre-back is now in a strong position to be included in the La Roja squad for this summer's European Championship, which officially begins on June 14.
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Pau Cubarsi's alleged new deal is big news for Barcelona
It is set to be a very interesting summer transfer window for Barcelona, with the club planning to be active in terms of incomings, but they will need to make some first-team sales due to their financial problems.
Robert Lewandowski, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha are among the big names to be linked with possible exits, and it would not be a shock to see a couple of those depart for the right money.
An exit for Cubarsi would have been difficult to take, though, as he has the potential to become one of the leading centre-backs in world football.
Barcelona need to build their new side around the likes of Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal, while Mikayil Faye is also expected to be a part of the first-team set-up next term.
Matt Law
