Barcelona directors believe Frenkie de Jong has accepted he must leave for England this month.
While angered by De Jong's refusal to agree to a pay-cut and also his insistence that he will not be sold, Sport says directors believe it is all tactics in order to get the best contract he can from suitors Manchester United or Chelsea.
Both Premier League clubs have agreed terms over a fee for the midfielder with Barca.
More talks between Barca and De Jong's agents are scheduled for Tuesday.
Selling De Jong would allow Barca to register Jules Kounde and also go for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.