According to Catalan outlet Sport, Barcelona chiefs are putting pressure on Fati's agent, Jorge Mendes, to convince his client to depart before the end of the window. Barca want Mendes to sound out interested clubs to see if he can spark a late January transfer for the out-of-favour Spain international.

AC Milan were considered frontrunners before dropping out of the race to sign Manchester City defender Kyle Walker instead. AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked. But it is now Barcelona at the forefront of the chase, and the Blaugrana are attempting to orchestrate a blockbuster swoop.