Barcelona set sights on ‘the new João Félix’

An insight into the ongoing efforts of the transfer team at Barcelona to identify and bring in upcoming talent has been provided late this evening.

The info comes by way of Diario Sport, who point towards Barca as having had their attentions piqued by a breakthrough youngster at Portuguese giants Benfica.

The player in question? José Melro.

Melro, already being likened by some to current Blaugrana star João Félix, is currently lighting up the youth setup at the aforementioned Benfica.

Generally lining out on the left wing, the 19-year-old is also capable of featuring on the right, or in a more central striker role.

A Portuguese U20 international, Melro has racked up an impressive eight goals in 11 outings for Benfica’s U23 outfit across the season to date.

And it is precisely these exploits, it would appear, which have caught the eye of the scouting department at Barcelona.

As per the aforementioned Sport, the Blaugrana have identified Melro as a potential signing for the summer window.

This comes not only owing to his undeniable talent, but also the fact that the attacker has just a year to run on his current contract in Lisbon, meaning he could be available for a cut-price fee.

It now remains to be seen whether Deco and co. follow through on their initial interest by way of a formal offer.

Conor Laird | GSFN