Newcastle United are moving to beat Barcelona for Rennes midfielder Desire Doue.
The 18 year-old has been a top target for Barca, says Mundo Deportivo, and was expected to join Barca this summer.
Doue was even a guest of Barca for their Nou Camp clash with Atletico Madrid this past season.
Doue's representative Mikael Silvestre told the i newspaper: "I know that Newcastle came to see him and got in touch with us.
"Like many clubs in Europe when they explore, they come and try to talk to the environment and get an idea and try to understand what the situation is.