Barcelona reportedly want to sign Kashima Antlers youngster Hiroki Abe this summer.
The 20-year-old, who has already turned out on 48 occasions in the J1 League, played in all three of Japan's group matches at the 2019 Copa America.
According to Japanese daily Asahi, Barca are prepared to cover the remainder of Abe's contract - which expires in January 2020 - and the player will be left to decide whether he wants to move to Spain.
The report adds that the Catalan giants plan to sign Abe for their second team - Barcelona B - with the view to him potentially becoming a first-team player in the future.
The attacker was voted Young Player of the Year in the J1 League last season and has managed 10 goals in 78 appearances for Kashima in all competitions.
Barca, who are also said to be closing in on a swoop for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, could reportedly land Abe for as little as £1.4m.
Matt Law
