Barcelona are making a move for Newell's Old Boys prospect Juan Sebastian Sforza.

Sforza is known to Barca captain Lionel Messi, who also came through the junior system at Newell's, and is being lined up for Barca B.

Now 18, Sforza captained Pablo Aimar's Argentina U17 team and is regarded highly across South America.

Mundo Deportivo says talks between the two clubs are well advanced and there's a confidence a deal will be struck later this month.

Helping smooth the move is that Sforza possesses a European passport.