Barcelona have had their eye on Spain prospect Pelayo Morilla for some time – and they now need to act fast to ward off the attentions of Manchester City.

Morilla is a product of Spanish second-tier side Sporting Gijon and has recently broken through into their first team.

The 17-year-old is an attacking midfielder who is comfortable with both feet and already has a sturdy frame, which could withstand the rigours of Premier League football.

According to Sport, Barca have been monitoring Morilla’s progress for the best part of two years, but were unable to come to terms with Gijon over the summer.

City has a long record of poaching players from under Barcelona’s noses – Eric Garcia and Adria Bernabe are just two players to have swapped La Masia for Manchester – and they are poised to yet again thwart their long-term plans.