Barcelona Transfer News: 'Next Neymar' Kenedy Targeted, Latest Xavi Rumours

Barcelona have "set their sights" on Fluminense youngster Kenedy, dubbed the "next Neymar," as reported by Charlies Perrin of the Daily Express.

Such a label brings major attention. Perrin indicates both Chelsea and Manchester United "have already sent scouts" to watch the Brazilian play. However, he believes the Premier League clubs are "lagging behind" Barca in the hunt to snag the £5 million-rated star.

TalkSPORT confirms the 19-year-old is under contract until Dec. 2018, meaning there is no rush for him to be sold. This could work in Barca's favour, particularly as the club's current transfer ban ensures they cannot sign anyone until Jan. 2016.

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Kenedy recently grabbed himself a couple of goals in Brazil's Serie A division, per Soccerway. He has also impressed at the under-20 2015 South American Youth Football Championship, undoubtedly a difficult feat with so much talent on display.

The player's qualities and considerable physique are highlighted below:

"I like Chelsea because of players like Oscar and Ramires. I like the whole team," Kenedy recently admitted, reported by Perrin. Barcelona possess plenty of Brazilian players, however, with Neymar, Dani Alves and Adriano among his possible countryman at the Camp Nou.

Kenedy could represent the next era for Barca, who are likely to build their future plans around Neymar's world-class quality. He would certainly be an excellent tutor for the young forward, having worked hard to fit in with Barca's high standards and expectations.

Barca may also wish to snatch as many potential young stars as possible after Real Madrid signed Martin Odegaard in January. The creative Norwegian continues to gather plenty of interest and has the quality to develop into a La Liga star. Although Barca's La Masia academy is stacked with quality, there's always room for more.

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Supporters can expect to see a large turnover of players once the transfer ban lifts. Veteran midfielder Xavi Hernandez continues to be linked with a move to MLS outfit New York City FC, but Sam Marsden of Sport notes Xavi has "denied" this is true.

"Speaking to journalists on Barcelona's flight to Villarreal for their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, the midfielder said there is no agreement in place," writes Marsden.

NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna recently confirmed he is "very interested in 'franchise' players, like Xavi," he told Catalan TV station TV3 (h/t AS). With David Villa already at the club and Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard scheduled to join at the end of the Premier League season, Xavi's appearance wouldn't be out of place in the newly formed side.

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He is still an important figure at the Camp Nou and could provide essential guidance to Barca's incoming youngsters over the next few years. If the likes of Kenedy are to arrive, learning from players such as Xavi—those who have won it all—may help investments understand exactly what it means to play for the Catalan club.

Culture and football go hand in hand at Barca, who will be itching to return to the summit of Spanish football by the end of the season.