Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has immediately ordered club management to put their pursuit of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez on hold for the time being according to a report from the online edition of Spanish news outlet La Vanguardia.

As a direct result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona have lost some €300 million in revenue and there are to be reprcussions across various sectors at the club, including the transfer sector.

Barcelona have been pursuing Lautaro for a considerable amount of time but Bartomeu wants any move for the 22-year-old player put on hold until sales are made which enable them to afford a deal to sign him.

Reports in the Italian media as of late have meanwhile suggested that Inter are keen to sign Lautaro to a new contract with the club and the above news could boost their chances of agreeing fresh terms with the talented Argentine national team player.