Reports: Real Madrid and Barcelona battle for 'the new Asensio'

What's the story?

Spanish wonderkid, Ferran Torres is all set to become the subject of a tug-of-war between La Liga giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to a report in Spanish news outlet, AS. The 17-year-old winger, who is currently contracted to Valencia, will play a large part in Spain's U17 team that will participate in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in India. Los Blancos and the Catalan giants are reportedly sending scouts to watch the talented winger, who has a buy-out clause in his contract set at €8 million euros - much like the same situation that had Real Madrid beat out Barcelona for Marco Asensio's signature.

In case you didn't know...

Currently donning the #7 jersey for Valencia's youth teams, Ferran Torres is seen as Los Che's great big hope, with the winger's composure on the ball, vision, and his eye for goal being his standout features. Despite his 1.74m frame, the 17-year-old still tends to keep hold of the ball with surprising regularity, with his close control ensuring that Valencia can control games. Torres primarily occupies the right wing, although he can also play behind the striker in a #10 role.

The heart of the matter

Valencia have grown increasingly nervous about their youngster's contract situation - he had signed professional terms when he turned 16, in a deal that would keep him at the club until 2019. However, the buy-out clause of €8 million seems rather cheap at the moment, which has resulted in top clubs from the Premier League also making inquiries in addition to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The situation mirrors that of Marco Asensio, with Barcelona opting out of signing the youngster while he was at Osasuna due to a €2 million dispute, with Real Madrid swooping in to sign the player.

It has resulted in both clubs switching player acquisition tactics - now opting to sign up young 17-year-olds, such as Vinicius Junior, before their prices rise to the levels of that such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, whose fees both exceeded €100 million.

The two clubs are also battling for the signature of Iker San Vicente, Osasuna's talented centre-back, who is out of contract.

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Author's Take:

Ferran Torres was instrumental in Spain winning the Under 17 Euros earlier this year, and if he turns up with similar performances in the 2017 FIFA World Cup in India this month, he could be fielding offers from Europe's biggest clubs.