Barcelona hope to make Flamengo attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta their latest Brazilian recruit, according to reports.

Paqueta, 21, made his debut for Brazil in the weekend’s 2-0 friendly win against the United States after excelling for his boyhood club. This followed being picked in the preliminary 30-man squad for World Cup 2018.

SPORT have stated that an emergence as a box-to-box player has caught the eye of club scouts who intend to make him the latest part of their midfield renovation. Gremio’s Arthur – who also made his bow against the US – supplemented this area when he completed a move to the La Liga champions in the summer.

Paqueta’s exploits have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester City have all previously been linked.

He’s scored eight times in 31 league run-outs this year.