Laporta provides update on Dembele extension, confirms deadline

Talking to L'Esportiu, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was asked to explain the situation with Ousmane Dembele.

"They have our proposal and a date to decide because there is no more room. We've been preparing for next season for a long time, and it's an issue we're stuck with because the agent isn't responding to the offer.

"It looks like Dembele's camp is making a counter-proposal. There is a priority right now -- to get the economy back on track.

Laporta did not name the date for the deadline, but previous reports claim that the parties have scheduled a final meeting for this week.

It has also been said that Barca are pessimistic about their chances to extend Dembouz's deal and expect him to leave on free agency in July.

Ousmane has been a key player under Xavi, scoring two goals and providing 13 assists in 32 official matches for Barca.

Source: L'Esportiu (h/t barcacentre @ Twitter)