Barcelona Transfer News: 'New Messi' Lucas Patanelli Deal Struck, Top Rumours

Barcelona have reportedly struck a deal to move ahead of several clubs in the race for Independiente youngster Lucas Patanelli, a midfielder who has already been dubbed the "new Lionel Messi."

That's according to EFE Agency (h/t Goal's Eliot Rothwel), who said the Catalans will pay $4 million for 50 per cent of his rights, as well as the chance to sign him and move him to Spain whenever they please.

The report goes on to state Barcelona have "moved ahead" of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and FC Porto in the race to sign him, indicating the deal isn't a final agreement.

Patanelli is a versatile midfielder who has also played as a forward and winger with Independiente, and he is mainly known for his exceptional dribbling abilities.

As you can see in this video, his technique is top-notch:

His future has been a constant topic of discussion during the 2015-16 season, and Marca previously claimed he visited the Spanish capital and even signed a pre-contract with Los Blancos. If Barcelona have managed to steal him from their rivals despite that deal, it would present some coup for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona have been adding foreign talent to their system in the last few years, opting to sign several more established players who are given a short run in La Masia system.

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Alen Halilovic is perhaps the best example, and given his solid showings for Sporting Gijon in 2015-16, that experiment appears to be a rousing success.

The Croatia international compares well to Patanelli. Halilovic was a raw prospect with bags of potential when he moved to Barcelona in 2014, and he has become a far better player in Catalonia. He recently told Goal's Hrvoje Tironi how the Blaugrana have helped him grow:

"

I am much better player now than I was after leaving Dinamo, no doubt. This season I've played 30 matches [sic] in the best league in the world, which is not easy for such young player like me. It means a lot to me, I've improved in running and tactics.

I am very happy with my season, I've only missed one match, which was due to suspension, the coach trusts me, I have worked hard during every training session.

"

Halilovic won't return to the Camp Nou until he's ready, but if he continues his progression, he'll be starring for the club before long. Patanelli could follow a similar trajectory, and he has one major advantage: He won't even have to move clubs for the foreseeable future.

Independiente have a reputation for producing fine attacking prospects, training the likes of Sergio Aguero and German Denis before they moved to Europe. It's the perfect place for Patanelli to continue honing his craft, knowing his move across the Atlantic Ocean will be waiting for him when he's ready.

Liverpool Eyeing Marc Bartra?

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

El Confidencial (h/t Metro's Max Miller) reported Liverpool are looking at Barcelona defender Marc Bartra as a possible summer addition, as the 25-year-old is expected to leave the Camp Nou at the end of this season.

A product of La Masia and a former Spain international, Bartra has tumbled down the pecking order in recent years and is in desperate need of a change of scenery. He's been stuck behind Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu all season long, a clear indication his future lies away from the club.

He should hold some value in the transfer market, as he was regarded as Barcelona's next great defender not so long ago. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Solid positioning and passing skills are the staple of any Barcelona defender, and Bartra is no exception, as he shows remarkable composure with the ball at his feet.

It's easy to see why Premier League clubs would be interested in the defender, who is still young enough to warrant a solid investment. According to Sport Witness, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move.

Liverpool have already added Schalke 04's Joel Matip, who will move to Anfield next summer on a free transfer, but more defensive depth can never be a bad thing.  

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