Barcelona Transfer News: Thomas Lemar Interest, Latest Blaugrana Rumours

AS Monaco starlet Thomas Lemar has caught the eye of Barcelona, who will look to sign him in the summer.

That's according to L'Equipe (h/t Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport), with the French publication noting that the Blaugrana have been impressed with the midfielder this term. It's reported that a fee of €30 million (£26 million) would be enough to convince Monaco to cash in on the France international.

Lemar has been enjoying a wonderful season with the principality club, excelling on the left flank in a team that's played some scintillating attacking football.

Here's a look at why Barcelona are said to have taken an interest in him:

Still only 21, it's difficult to put a ceiling on how far Lemar can go in the game. He can play across midfield, is searingly quick and, when he gets into dangerous areas, makes the types of decisions you'd expect of a veteran.

A return of seven goals and six assists in Ligue 1 is testament to that composure. As these numbers from Squawka Football prove, in terms of his creative output, Lemar has shone for Monaco, especially in the UEFA Champions League:

It's easy to see why Barcelona would be looking at the midfielder, as he'd bring something different to the squad.

Although he's been playing out on the left flank this season, Lemar looks capable of moving infield. The prospect of him lining up alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets is a tantalising one, with the youngster's direct and dynamic style most likely a fine complement to the veterans' wily instincts.

Monaco will be keen to keep the youngster around, as manager Leonardo Jardim has built a team capable of challenging for the top honours domestically and in Europe. However, for an attacking midfielder, there aren't many better places to play your football than the Camp Nou.

Manchester United Interested in Neymar

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According to Rik Sharma of Sport, Manchester United are willing to meet a €200 million (£173 million) release clause in Neymar's Barcelona contract.

Sharma reported:

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Jose Mourinho, the coach, is the mastermind behind the operation and has spoken directly to the Brazilian player. The calls are regular to try and convince him to leave Barcelona and join Manchester United, with the coach saying that it would be a step forward in his career because he wouldn't be living in Messi's shadow.

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Bleacher Report UK imagined how the Brazilian might look in United colours:

It's an obscene amount of money, but United have flexed their muscles in the transfer market recently, landing Paul Pogba for a world-record fee of £89.3 million ahead of this season. 

If any player in football is worth that kind of outlay, it's arguably Neymar. Not only is he world-class, but he's still improving and is one of the most marketable footballers on the planet. 

However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague can't see the 25-year-old going anywhere in the summer:

While he may be in Messi's shadow, Neymar is a key man at one of the biggest clubs in the world. He's challenging for titles every season, with La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey still up for grabs for Barcelona in 2016-17.

United have a long way to go before they're ready to become that kind of a force again, with Mourinho's side in a phase of transition. With that in mind, while the Red Devils may have the cash to meet Neymar's trigger fee, convincing him to make the switch would be another matter entirely.