Borussia Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele has gone AWOL as speculation mounts that he is attracting serious interest from Barcelona.
Dortmund head coach Peter Bosz revealed the 20-year-old Frenchman was unexpectedly absent from training on Thursday as the Bundesliga giants prepare for their DFB Pokal first round encounter with Rielasingen-Arlen this weekend.
Speaking at his press conference, Bosz said on the club's official website: "He was not here this morning. I have no idea why, I hope nothing bad happened to him."
Dembele joined Dortmund a little over 12 months ago from Rennes on a five-year contract and has attracted top European suitors after a breakout season at the Westfalenstadion.
He scored 10 times in 49 appearances in all competitions in the last campaign while he broke his duck for France with the winner in the 3-2 friendly triumph over England in June.
Many have declared Dembele as the ideal replacement for Neymar at Barcelona, with the Brazilian joining Paris St Germain last week for a world record £200.6million transfer fee.
Barcelona have reportedly had a £90million offer for Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho rejected and may now be ready to turn their attentions towards Dembele.
Barcelona are currently 1/10 favourites at Sky Bet to sign the French forward, while he is 6/1 to stay at Dortmund.
