Real Madrid have entered the race to sign the highly rated Italian youngster, Marco Verratti, from Paris Saint Germain.
That could be bad news for Premier league big boys Manchester United and Liverpool, who are both keeping an eye on the defensive midfield playmaker according to talksport.
Verratti joined PSG last summer from Serie B side, Pescara. He has played 30 games so far this season, helping the club to the top of the French League table and into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Youngster has been compared to Pirlo
The 20-year-old’s performances over the last few years have seen him compared to his hero, fellow Italian Andrea Pirlo. He has already been capped three times and scored once for Italy.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke last week of his desire to bring in three or four new signings with the quality to make an immediate impact on his first team.
He sees Verratti as a player who could inject a new creative dimension for attackers, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to feed off.
PSG want £30m
Similarly, Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to add creativity to his midfield with United legend Paul Scholes set to retire at the end of the season.
However, French newspaper, Le Parisien, has reported that Real Madrid are interested in bringing Verratti to the Bernabeu. They are looking for a long term replacement for Xabi Alonso as the former Liverpool star may be leaving the club at the end of next season.
PSG have deep pockets and do not need to sell the Italian. They would prefer him to stay and remain part of what they hope will be a hugely successful future. Talksport say they will demand at least £30m for youngster.