Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that the La Liga giants are in talks with Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick.
The 16-year-old has become one of Brazil’s most sought-after talents as he emerges as one of their greatest products in recent years.
Operating as a striker for Palmeiras in his short first-team career thus far, he has already brought about three goals and an assist in just seven outings.
Barcelona have unsurprisingly been one of the clubs touted as a potential suitor and could make a Neymar-esque deal happen, with Xavi in talks with the teenager’s family.
Xavi told ESPN Brasil: “We have been talking to his father and also directly with the player. I explained the project we have at Barcelona. We want talent and he is a talent, capable of making a difference.
“He is the type of player we need. He already knows the project we have at Barcelona and we are talking. I hope he joins Barça.”
TIF Thoughts on Endrick’s potential move to Barcelona…
Naturally, a talent of such prestige at his age garners plenty of attention, and the Catalan side aren’t the first club to have been in contact with the player’s family.
Chelsea have previously hosted Endrick and his parents at their Cobham training centre, while Paris Saint-Germain and El Clasico rivals Real Madrid are also thought to be chasing the sensation.
According to ESPN, PSG have already seen an offer rejected in the region of €45m (£38.9m), with the Brazilian outfit holding out for more than €60m (£51.8m), so a deal won’t come cheap, and with Barca’s precarious and well-documented financial difficulties, a deal of that amount for a 16-year-old doesn’t fit right.