Barcelona 'to accelerate Ousmane Dembele contract talks in May'

Barcelona will reportedly accelerate contract talks with Ousmane Dembele in May.

The 24-year-old's current deal at Camp Nou is due to expire at the end of June, meaning that, as it stands, he will be leaving the Catalan giants on a free transfer this summer.

Dembele was widely expected to leave Barcelona in January due to his contract situation, but the France international ultimately remained with the club, and he has worked his way back into the side in recent months.

Barcelona boss Xavi has expressed on a number of occasions a desire to keep hold of the World Cup winner on a long-term basis amid interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

The attacker has scored twice and registered 11 assists in 27 appearances at club level this term, including one goal and 11 assists in 16 La Liga outings.

According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona will step up contract talks with Dembele next month, with club officials preparing to meet with the forward's representatives.

The former Rennes youngster is believed to be happy under Xavi's management and is open to extending his stay at Camp Nou despite being aware of what he could earn elsewhere by leaving on a free transfer.