Barcelona’s Football Manager hope as Crystal Palace aim for Top Gun

Like an avid Football Manager player, Barcelona have become fairly proficient at securing the services of the next big thing to come out of South America.

Not that it has always been a success. Yes, there was the capture of the man many believe to be the greatest player of all-time when a 12-year-old Lionel Messi moved to Catalonia and went on to impress in the famed La Masia academy before going to to deliver a 34 major trophies for the La Liga giants.

But then there has also been a lengthy list of South Americans who have failed to shine at the Camp Nou, whether that be joining Barca directly or indirectly from their home continent. Club legend Xavi, fresh from securing the first La Liga title of his managerial career, will hope the youngster hoping to be his next addition will follow in the footsteps of Messi, rather than the likes of Kerrison or Marlon.

The name Vitor Roque may not mean much to some at the moment but there are high hopes the Brazilian will become a big name as he closes in on a move to Barcelona. The 18-year-old has been linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs, with the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United all said to have shown an interest in the Athletico Paranaense striker - but journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed Roque has agreed personal terms with Barcelona now ‘closing’ on a verbal agreement with his club, in a move that will disappoint a number of clubs around Europe.

One player that will not be heading to Barcelona - despite being linked with the La Liga champions on several occasions over the last year - is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.

The Portugal international has been linked with a whole host of clubs as he enters the final year of his current deal at Molineux - but it now looks as if he is set to join an ever-growing list of players heading to Saudi Arabia after The Athletic reported Al Hilal agreed a £47m with the Premier League club.

One player that could remain in the Premier League after impressing on the continent last season is Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a highly productive loan spell at Ligue 1 club Reims last season, scoring 22 goals and providing three assists in 39 appearances in all competitions. There have been suggestions the Gunners could allow the striker to spend the upcoming season elsewhere and Express Sport have reported Crystal Palace have ‘entered the race’ to sign the United States international - although Internazionale and RB Leipzig are also interested.