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Barcelona transfers news: Barca plot Atletico Madrid goalkeeper deal
BARCELONA are hoping to buy ‘the next Jan Oblak’ from title rivals Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
Alejandro Iturbe has garnered an esteemed reputation in Madrid, after impressing goalkeeping coach Pablo Vercellone at the Los Colchoneros academy.
The 14-year-old trained with the senior side during the International Champions Cup pre-season tournament, so high are expectations that he could soon bridge the gap between the academy and first team.
With the hype surrounding Iturbe, however, outside interest has naturally followed.
It was reported in 2016 that city rivals Real Madrid were interested in acquiring the youngster’s services, but they have signed a long-term shot-stopper in Thibaut Courtois and Ukranian youngster Andriy Lunin this summer.
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Tottenham and Liverpool have contacted Iturbe's representatives on "numerous occasions"
Now Barcelona are the latest side to declare their interest.
The Catalan club are pleased with first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but fear the La Masia doesn’t have a capable successor in the making.
However, international laws regarding the professional status of minors dictate that Atletico Madrid must wait until the stopper turns 16 years old before he can sign a professional deal.
“That deal has been agreed in principal, but much is expected of the Spaniard in the 2018/19 campaign,” report Marca.
Iturbe joined Atleti as a five-year-old in 2008, and has shone in high-profile youth tournaments in Spain.
He was voted best goalkeeper at the recent Torcaf Championship, which brings together the best youth teams in Spain.
He is tied down to a contract with Los Rojiblancos until June 2022.
That hasn’t stopped Liverpool and Spurs contacting Iturbe’s representatives on 'numerous occasions’, however.