Barcelona are struggling to strike terms with Sergio Busquets over a new contract.
The World Cup winning midfielder has been one of Pep Guardiola's biggest discoveries, but Barca risk losing the midfielder with new contract negotiations grinding to a halt.
El Mundo Deportivo says a high level meeting between both parties last week lasted over three hours - with no positive result.
Busquets is demanding his wage be on a par with Javier Mascherano, who is now acting as the youngster's understudy. But Barca are refusing to meet his terms.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been alerted to the situation, where Busquets could arrive as a replacement for long-term crock Owen Hargreaves in the summer.