'Globoesporte' had claimed Yan Couto was about to sign for Barcelona. However, the same source is now reporting that Manchester City have taken the lead for the Brazilian's signing, doubling the Catalans' offer.
Barcelona have found themselves in tough competition for the signing of Yan Couto, Coritiba's right-back at just 17 years of age. It seemed like a done deal... until now.
Days ago, 'Globoesporte' all but confirmed there was a deal between Barça and the Brazilian club for the young footballer, who was expected to join the Catalans in June in exchange for five million euros plus variables.
However, the same source now reports that Manchester City has more than doubled Barcelona's offer: they would be prepared to pay up to 15 million euros.
According to the source, six of those fifteen would be going into add ons. 'Sport' have explained that the player's agent, Marcelo Robalinho, has neither confirmed or denied whether this information is true.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and City are not the only teams that have shown their interest. Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal also asked about the player, but the big contenders still remain Barcelona and City,.
Couto, a winger that's shown a lot of promise despite his small height - he is only 1.68m - has been playing for Coritiba since he was 10 years old and participated in the U17 World Cup, but has not yet made his first appearance with the first team.