BARCELONA are tipped to battle Chelsea and Manchester City for Paris Saint-Germain starlet Kays Ruiz-Atil.
The French winger, 18, is reportedly unhappy at lack of game time since Mauricio Pochettino became PSG boss last month.
PSG winger Kays Ruiz-Atil is reportedly being tracked by Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Blues’ chief Thomas Tuchel must hope his previous positive experience with Kays Ruiz-Atil when at PSG would help him sign the widemanCredit: EPA
And despite suggestions Chelsea youth coach Claude Makelele jetted to Paris for talks over signing Ruiz-Atil, the wideman’s old club Barca are now said to be keen.
AS say Ruiz-Atil has it “in mind” to return to the Spanish giants, where he developed from 2009-2015.
He played seven games under Thomas Tuchel, including shining on his full debut against Lens.
But since Tuchel’s sacking at Christmas, Ruiz-Atil has been totally sidelined by successor Pochettino.
So Tuchel’s interest, now he is Chelsea chief, seems natural, and he will hope his positive relationship with Ruiz-Atil can pay some dividends.
And Etihad manager Pep Guardiola is also scanning Europe for elite young talent to bring through.
Ruiz-Atil’s PSG contract runs until the summer of 2021.
But negotiations over extending it are thought to have stalled.
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And Chelsea’s initial position as favourites to sign him were boosted by reports Makelele travelled to France to step up their interest.
However, it is understood no transfer fee was agreed.
Now the race for a player who began the campaign as one of Europe’s hottest prospects has evened up.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
