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Earlier on Monday, journalist César Luis Merlo reported Manchester City want to improve Julián Álvarez’s contract but he isn’t agreeing to sign a new deal.

He also explained Barcelona have probed the striker, who is seeking to go out on loan in the summer if his situation at the Etihad doesn’t improve.

The 23-year-old’s been forced to spend more time on the bench this season since Erling Haaland is ahead of him at Manchester City.

Merlo’s claim about the La Liga side’s interest in the Argentina international is relayed by Sport, who then give their own take on this case.

The World Cup winner is aware he won’t be starting key fixtures for Manchester City when Haaland’s available for selection, but he also understands he can’t stagnate his progress.

That’s why he and his camp are concerned, and could look for solutions in the summer.

This is where Barca could come into the picture as they have a ‘magnificent’ relationship with Pep Guardiola’s side.

The two clubs met when the Catalan club visited Manchester to face Manchester United in the Europa League last midweek.

It wasn’t the first time Álvarez’s name has been on the Blaugrana’s agenda, and Sport explain ‘ideal conditions’ could arise for Barca in the summer to carry out a loan operation.

Barcelona have positive reports on Álvarez as they wanted to sign him before he agreed to join Manchester City.

The South American could ask for a move in the next window if he doesn’t have more prominence in England.