Manchester City and Barcelona are battling for Villarreal midfielder Ivan Morante.

The 19 year-old plays for Villarreal's B team and is a first-choice with Spain U19.

City have made an approach and are in talks with Morante's minders about a move to England - which has kicked Barca into action, reports Sport.

Morante is off contract in June, but all signs are that Villarreal will sell this month.

City are willing to wait until the summer to sign Morante as a free agent, while Barca would be prepared to pay a fee now to trump their English rivals.