Barcelona president Joan Laporta is full of praise for Ousmane Dembele ahead of the new season.

Dembele enjoyed career best form last term under coach Xavi.

Laporta said: "Dembele is a player who is very dear to the coach, the technical department and to me. I'm a big fan.

"He has representatives who are difficult when it comes to negotiating. I respect his position but we are at the last minute.

"Now we are in negotiations to keep him and we hope it will be resolved but I am of the opinion that it will run until the end [of the transfer window]."