Barcelona monitoring Celta Vigo jewel Hugo Sotelo, face competition from Real Madrid

Barcelona are keeping tabs on highly-rated Celta Vigo teenager Hugo Sotelo ahead of a potential move in the future, according to Sport.

After making good progress with Celta’s youth ranks, Sotelo was included in the club’s pre-season tour and is now part of first-team plans, having featured in two games in La Liga this season.

The Catalan giants have been alerted to the young midfielder’s situation as he has declined the Galician club’s renewal offer.

Barca are not alone in the race as they face tough competition from arch-rivals Real Madrid for the 19-year-old.

The Catalan giants had identified Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as the potential successor to Sergio Busquets earlier this summer, but they eventually signed Oriol Romeu from Girona.

They have set their sights on Sotelo and plan to nurture him to become a top asset for the club’s long-term future.

Apart from their own La Masia academy, Barca have targeted young talents in Spain – as was the case with Pedri.

Sotelo’s valuation is in the region of €10 million, but the figure could go up if he enjoys significant game time with the Celta’s first team this season.

Barca are also reportedly monitoring Velez Sarsfield’s young prodigy Alvaro Montoro.

The 16-year-old midfielder, who holds an Italian passport, has courted interest from Sevilla, Villarreal and Fiorentina.

However, Barca are in pole position due to the teenager’s desire to move to the Catalonian capital.

The Argentine U-17 star has been on Barca’s radar for more than two years and they have held talks with the player’s entourage over a potential move.