Chelsea and Manchester City are “willing to push hard” to snap up Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba before the transfer window closes, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan newspaper reports that the 18-year-old is refusing to sign a new contract and, with the Spaniard’s current deal expiring next summer, the two Premier League sides could step up their interest in the player.
It is believed, though, that neither Chelsea nor City have made a formal offer for Moriba yet, despite reports that they are willing to pay the teenager around €6m a year (approximately £98,000 a week).
Barca are said to be “pessimistic” about getting an agreement with the Spanish Under 19 international, so there could be further developments on this transfer before deadline day next month.
Moriba broke into Barcelona’s first team in the second half of last season, scoring one goal and providing three assists in 18 senior appearances under manager Ronald Koeman.
