Rumour: Barcelona, Roma chase Brazilian wonderkid Gerson

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder only made his debut for Fluminense in February this year

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 4 Top European football clubs Barcelona and AS Roma are locked in a battle to sign Fluminense star Gerson, according to media reports. The two teams are set to take on each other in a pre-season friendly tomorrow, but they are entangled in a battle off the field as well.

The Catalan club have offered the Rio de Janeiro outfit 20 million euros to sign the 18-year-old, on a five-year deal. Barcelona are said to have already paid 10 million euros for the right of first refusal on the attacking midfielder, reports Xinhua.

But Fluminense are also negotiating with Roma, who are reportedly willing to match or better Barcelona's offer.

Gerson rose through the youth ranks at Fluminense before making his debut for the senior team in February 2015 as a substitute. He has since made 12 first-team starts for the club and has also been capped seven times for Brazil's Under-20 national team.