Rumour: Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested in Atletico Madrid's Koke

Koke interesting Barcelona and Manchester United

Barcelona have joined the race with Manchester United and Chelsea to sign Atletico Madrid midfield orchestrator, Koke.

The Atletico Madrid player has been sought after in recent months by a number of clubs after his fine performances in La Liga, with Manchester United keen suitors.

David Moyes had reportedly sent his chief scout Robbie Cooke to watch Koke during his spell in charge of the club, just before the festive period in Christmas, and was linked with him heavily in the January transfer window.

Paul Scholes and Phil Neville also went to watch Koke recently, with the Red Devils keen suitors.

However, it seems that Catalan giants Barcelona have joined the race with the Red Devils and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side to the sign the Spanish midfielder.

According to talkSPORT, Barcelona legend Xavi has tipped Koke to succeed him as the “conductor” of the Spanish national team in the future. Such wise words from such a highly-rated man has rung alarm bells at the Barcelona hierarchy to make a move the young midfielder. Koke has excelled this season and has helped propel Atletico to the summit of La Liga, with just two games to go.

The 22-year-old has 15 assists in all competitions this season and has been one of the clubs best players, along with the likes of Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois.

Koke, who has been capped seven times for Spain, has a £49m minimum release clause fee. The last time Barcelona pipped Manchester United to a high profile target was the tussle over then-PSG midfielder Ronaldinho following the 2002 World Cup.