TRANSFER CONFIDENTIAL: Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle chase Croatian wonderkid, 16

Hello and welcome to another edition of our transfer newsletter, brought exclusively to you. 

My name is Simon Jones and, as well as writing regularly for the Daily Mail and MailOnline, I’m aiming to give you insight, news and the latest chat from across the globe on all the deals taking shape ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

It promises to be busy once again in the Premier League as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea look to splash further millions in a bid to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City.

While those at risk of relegation will be in fear of the proverbial vultures preparing to swoop for their best players.

Below, I bring you the latest news from across the globe ahead of the summer transfer window – with updates on a 16-year-old wonderkid labelled ‘the new Gerard Pique’ and several potential moves at Spanish giants Barcelona.

Below, Mail Sport columnist Simon Jones gives you insight, news and the latest chat from across the globe on all the deals taking shape ahead of this summer’s transfer window

Four Premier League giants are fighting for the signature of 'the new Gerard Pique' (right)

Four Premier League giants are fighting for the signature of ‘the new Gerard Pique’ (right)

The 16-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic has been compared to the Barcelona legend

The 16-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic has been compared to the Barcelona legend

English giants eye ‘the new Gerard Pique’

All eyes were on Hajduk Split defender Luka Vuskovic at the Stade de Geneve last week. Pushing 6ft 5ins at just 16 years old, he’s difficult to miss.

The centre-back has already broken into Split’s first team and helped the club’s U19s progress to the final of the Uefa Youth League in a 3-1 win over AC Milan on Friday.

Manchester City have already made an enquiry for Vuskovic, who is valued at around £12million, while Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United were represented in Geneva.

Vuskovic has been compared to former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique in style but some scouts think he’s not so graceful and have reservations that his size limits his mobility, especially as he continues to grow.

He will have another chance to impress in the UEFA Youth League final on Monday evening as Split face AZ Alkmaar, conquerors of Sporting Lisbon.

Reds scout Barella for midfield shake-up 

Liverpool scout Paul Goldrick, who was in the stands on Friday, has been a regular at Inter Milan games this season reporting on Nicolo Barella. 

The Italy international is among the names on Liverpool’s list of midfield targets for this summer, alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Mason Mount, Ryan Gravenberch and Matheus Nunes.

Liverpool have been regularly scouting Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella (left) this season

Liverpool have been regularly scouting Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella (left) this season

Raphinha may be sacrificed by Barcelona 

He may have only left Leeds United for Barcelona in August but there are rumblings along La Rambla that Raphinha could be sold this summer.

The 26-year-old Brazilian did what many others didn’t and turned down Chelsea to secure his ‘dream move’ to Barcelona for £50m. 

However, with Barca searching for solutions on how to meet financial guidelines, Raphinha is emerging as one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed to recoup much needed funds.

Arsenal and Newcastle, who were both keen last summer, are monitoring developments but are well aware of Barca’s plight and there are no guarantees they will recoup their desired price.

Xavi still has Ousmane Dembele as a favoured winger he can call upon. The Frenchman has a £45m buy-out clause but is expected to stay.

Leeds United, who have looked at a number of Barca fringe players, may boost Barca’s finances slightly as they are now keen on 19-year-old Spanish youth international Ilias Akhomach.

Winger Raphinha (left) could be one of the players sacrificed by Barcelona boss Xavi (right)

Winger Raphinha (left) could be one of the players sacrificed by Barcelona boss Xavi (right)

Auba contacts former team-mates over Barca return

Word on the grapevine is that Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been in touch with former teammates at Barcelona telling them he is keen to return.

Aubameyang has endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge but is not Barca’s priority this summer.

Chelsea, who have put a deal in place for yet another winger – Benfica’s 18-year-old Diego Moreira – on a free this summer, are continuing to hold discussions over more additions but will inevitably let Aubameyang go.

They have held talks over popular Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who will also become a free agent this summer if his contract isn’t registered, and have sounded out Rafael Leao’s situation at AC Milan in the past week.

Any deal for Leao is complicated by compensation claims and sell-on clauses from his previous clubs Sporting Lisbon and Lille.

Chelsea, who are expected to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager, retain an interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund too.

Todd Boehly stressed to Mason Mount that he remains part of their plans last week but the reality is, with all their spending, something will still have to give this summer with several departures expected.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has contacted former team-mates over a Barcelona return

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has contacted former team-mates over a Barcelona return

Striker Aubameyang, at Chelsea, is friendly with several Barca stars like Ferran Torres (left)

Striker Aubameyang, at Chelsea, is friendly with several Barca stars like Ferran Torres (left)

Newcastle rivalling Arsenal, Real Madrid for Spaniard

Newcastle have joined the queue for Celta Vigo prospect Gabri Veiga.

Rumours abounded on Saturday night that, following Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Celta at the Bernabeu, Real president Florentino Perez had met with the Celta hierarchy to talk over a deal for the 20-year-old who has a £35m buy-out clause. 

Veiga did not have his best of games on Saturday but is recognised as a great talent.

Newcastle have posted their interest but are under no illusions about the level of competition with Manchester City, Arsenal et al also in the mix for the attacking midfielder.

Villa eyeing up Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso 

Aston Villa are keeping a watchful eye on Giovani Lo Celso’s performances at Villarreal.

Lo Celso, on loan at Villarreal from Tottenham, is a favourite of coach Unai Emery, having played for him previously at Paris St Germain and Villarreal last season. 

Aston Villa are keeping a watchful eye on Tottenham's midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (right)

Aston Villa are keeping a watchful eye on Tottenham’s midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (right)

Indeed, the Argentine midfielder’s name was understood to be one of the players discussed when Emery considered going to Newcastle United in 2021.

Lo Celso, 27, impressed on Sunday against Sevilla switching between a false nine role and midfield. Tottenham would be happy to sell as they overhaul their squad.

Villa have also checked on Valencia’s raw but talented Portuguese midfielder Andre Almeida, as have Brighton. The 22-year-old, like everyone in the Valencia squad, is available for the right price.

Meanwhile, Nice are showing an interest in Villa left-back Lucas Digne.

Crystal Palace want Matheus Franca move 

Crystal Palace had a delegation in Brazil last week to discuss a potential move for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca.

It’s not the first time Palace have tried for the 19-year-old. They held talks in November but there is growing competition.

Arsenal scouts also watched Franca on Thursday as he made a fleeting appearance from the bench in their 2-0 win over Nublense in the Copa Libertadores while both clubs looked on again on Sunday as Franca played 15 minutes against Internacional. 

Real Madrid, Newcastle and Liverpool have also watched the teenager, who has quick feet and an excellent eye for a pass.

Crystal Palace had a delegation in Brazil last week to discuss a move for Matheus Franca (right)

Crystal Palace had a delegation in Brazil last week to discuss a move for Matheus Franca (right)

Man United scouting Swedish teenager 

David de Gea’s current understudy at Manchester United, Jack Butland, had interest from Rangers last week. However, Michael Beale’s men are now looking at other targets abroad. 

Butland is on loan from Crystal Palace, who have an option to extend his contract in the summer. Rangers have a limited budget so are exploring other options.

Meanwhile, Manchester United scout Tommy Moller Neilsen ran the rule over 17-year-old Djurgardens midfielder Lucas Bergvall on Sunday during his side’s win over Gothenburg. Bergvall had a trial at United last year.

Ewood Park was bristling with scouts last week as clubs got a closer look at Blackburn Rovers prospect Adam Wharton.

The 18-year-old England U19 midfielder was the stand-out performer in the 1-1 stalemate between the play-off rivals. However, Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth was among over 30 representatives from different clubs to take in the game. 

Leeds, Lille and Eintracht Frankfurt also took the chance to watch Coventry’s Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Ewood Park bristled with scouts last week as clubs looked at Blackburn's Adam Wharton (right)

Ewood Park bristled with scouts last week as clubs looked at Blackburn’s Adam Wharton (right)

Blackpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Portsmouth are keeping an eye on Larne striker Lee Bonis.

The 23-year-old’s 15 goals helped Larne to a first league title in their 134-year history earlier this month and they want around £300,000 for the forward being tipped for a Northern Ireland call-up. 

That would be a bonus for Bonis, who they bought for £100,000 from Portadown a year ago.

Competition is fierce for attacking midfield places at Brighton so Andrew Moran is attracting loan interest from Championship sides Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Swansea City. 

The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland has been on the bench this season and is highly regarded by staff but needs more competitive game time.

While Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has attracted interest from Roma and Bayern Munich

While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has attracted interest from Roma and Bayern Munich

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is enjoying a renaissance in Holland under Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s guidance. 

Branthwaite, 20, is on loan at PSV Eindhoven and has attracted interest from Ajax, Benfica, Roma and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, who have all checked on the left-sided centre-back. 

PSV want to buy him too for £15m but Everton, so far, want him back next season.

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