Barcelona defender has rejected the chance to terminate his contract and leave for free

As Barcelona grow desperate to get rid of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes, they have offered the Frenchman the letter of freedom, reports David Bernabeu Reverter of SPORT.

Lenglet has been out of favour at Barcelona for more than a year now and spent the last season out on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Having returned to the club this summer, the 28-year-old has been told that he does not feature in Xavi’s plans and as such both parties have been trying hard to find a suitor for him, but have had no luck so far.

Lenglet rejects letter of freedom

As such, Barcelona offered Lenglet the letter of freedom which would allow him the possibility to leave the club for free by agreeing on a mutual termination of his contract.

It is what the Catalans did with Lenglet’s compatriot Samuel Umtiti earlier this summer.

However, the report adds that the former Sevilla centre-back has rejected the proposal from the Blaugrana as things stand.

Barça are eager to see Lenglet’s back as they will have to bear his €16 million wages (gross) this season if he stays at the club.

As such, they have opened the doors to let him leave for free by offering the letter of freedom, so that even if they do not receive remuneration for his sale, they would be getting rid of his salary.

In exchange, the Blaugrana wish to insert a 50% future sale clause in the agreement with whichever club signs him. For now, though, Lenglet has rejected the proposal.

Lyon enter race for Lenglet

The report further adds that in the past hours, French giants Olympique Lyon have also entered the race for Lenglet and have made enquiries for the left-footed centre-back.

Sevilla are another club interested in signing the 28-year-old French international while Real Betis are also looking at him as a target once they complete the sale of Luiz Felipe to Saudi Arabia.

For now, though, with Lenglet not accepting the letter of freedom, the Blaugrana are open to loaning him out as well and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.