Memphis Depay ‘told to look for a new club by Barcelona boss Xavi’ after £42.5m Robert Lewandowski transfer

MEMPHIS DEPAY has reportedly been told to leave Barcelona or make his peace with warming their bench.

Barca boss Xavi has explained to the forward he will not be getting much of a look in following the summer signings of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, according to AS.

Depay has also learned France star Ousmane Dembele will be picked ahead of him now he has finally agreed a new deal at the Nou Camp.

The January arrivals of Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also pushed ex-Manchester United man Depay down the pecking order at the La Liga giants.

The AS report explains: “[It means Depay’s] playing options are reduced to a minimum.

“Hence, Xavi’s advice was to look for a team, aware that here he will not find either fitness or minutes [at Barcelona].”

AS says cash-strapped Barca are also keen to get Depay off their wage bill and give his No 9 shirt to Poland legend Lewandowski.

Depay signed for the Catalans on a free from Lyon last summer.

He was brought in by his former national team boss – and now ex-Barca chief – Ronald Koeman, but looks surplus to requirements under Xavi.

Barca value Depay – who will be out of contract next year – at about £17million.

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Newcastle were linked with a shock swoop for him this week.

The 80-cap star is also reported to have rejected a move to Tottenham.