Barcelona join the race for Endrick, PSG still ahead

In an interview with ESPN, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed the interest of his club in PSG target and Palmeiras forward Endrick.

Xavi told ESPN that he "has held talks with highly-rated Brazilian teenager Endrick" along with some of his representatives.

The Spanish manager and former World Cup champion with the Spain national team in 2010 also revealed that he has already presented "the Barca project" to the youngster and his father.

"We have been talking with his father and also directly with the player too. I explained the project at Barcelona." Xavi said.

According to Xavi, Barcelona "want talented players" and there is an interest from the Catalan club as they consider Endrick "a talent" that is "capable of making a difference." Xavi also added that Endrick "has the great finishing, dribbling, and a capacity to make the difference on the pitch."

PSG has already submitted an opening bid of €45M to Palmeiras for Endrick

Julien Laurens, writing for ESPN, reported an initial offer made by PSG and allegedly rejected by Palmeiras for Endrick. Laurens quoted the fee at €45M as the initial payment, with bonuses added to it.

According to ESPN's sources, Palmeiras are "holding out for more than €60M" for their 16-year-old player. That's a reasonable approach considering this new development involving Barcelona, along with the already-reported interest of other European behemoths such as Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Neymar, playing with Brazil in Qatar and is expected to be fit enough to feature against South Korea on Monday, has been "speaking to Endrick" according to those same sources.

Endrick cannot arrive in Europe until he turns 18 years old in 2024 according to the new rules in place in the Old Continent. That said, he has a deal with Palmeiras that runs until 2025, so he would be able to virtually complete that contract without breaking it if he ends up signing with a European team, as expected, ahead of its conclusion.

The latest reports coming from Spain (via Mundo Deportivo), though, speak about Barcelona fearing PSG might already be way too far ahead in the chase for Endrick.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona leaders think "Endrick has already given his agreement to another club."

Everything points to PSG being that club, with the French having already submitted a formal offer, whether it was initially rejected or not.