BARCELONA want to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Ousmane Dembele to be the long-term successor to Lionel Messi, according to reports.

Barcelona are aware that Messi, 29, could seek to leave the club if an agreement over a new contract cannot be reached.

Officials at the Nou Camp have stressed that they may struggle to meet the Argentina international’s wage demands as they work to keep staff costs below 70 per cent of revenue.

And even if Messi does remain at Barca, the club are working on a deal to sign Dembele in order to shore up their striking options for years to come.

That is according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who claim Barca are determined to sign Dembele this summer.Technical director Robert Fernandez is in charge of transfer policy at the club, meaning a push for 19-year-old Dembele can still go ahead even though Barca are seeking a new manager to succeed Luis Enrique for next season.

Dortmund do not want to sell Dembele but are realistic about those chances. If Barcelona stump up big money then he will leave.

Barcelona want to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Ousmane Dembele