Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, with the Catalan outfit having a close look at the youngster during Tuesday's Champions League meeting.
The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes of Antwerp's 5-0 defeat to Barcelona in the European Cup, with the Belgian outfit finding it difficult in their opening Group H fixture.
Vermeeren is viewed as one of the best young talents in European football, with Manchester United believed to be closely monitoring his progress.
The teenager has already featured on 10 occasions at first-team level this season, providing two assists, while he has one goal and four assists in 44 appearances for the club in total.
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According to Mundo Deportivo, Vermeeren is viewed by the Catalan outfit as a leading target, and contact could soon be made with his agent.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash, Antwerp head coach Mark van Bommel reacted to the alleged interest from Barcelona.
"I won't give him any information, because he would buy him immediately," said Van Bommel when asked whether he would speak to former Barcelona teammate Xavi about the teenager.
Barcelona sporting director Deco was also asked about Vermeeren on Tuesday but refused to reveal whether the youngster was a target.
"The scouting team works hard. We follow several players and the market is closed. It is time to focus on the ones we have," he said when directly asked about the youngster.
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Vermeeren has won the Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup during his time in the first team.
Antwerp are in a strong position when it comes to the midfielder's future, as he has another three years left to run on his current deal with the Belgian outfit.
The Belgium Under-21s international will allegedly continue to be monitored by both Man United and Barcelona this season with a view to a future move.
Veermeeren is set to be back in action for the Reds on Saturday evening, with Van Bommel's side welcoming RWDM Molenbeek in Belgium's top flight.
Matt Law
