Pau Cubarsi's bargain release clause attracting Premier League interest - report

Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi is attracting interest from the Premier League as he awaits talks over a new contract, a report has claimed.

17-year-old Cubarsi has excelled since breaking through into the senior setup this season, starting eight of Barcelona's last nine La Liga games and looking at home in the heart of defence at one of the biggest clubs on the planet.

To reward his breakthrough, Barcelona are prepared to open talks over a new contract which would include a €1bn release clause, but as it stands, Cubarsi is actually attainable for a bargain fee.

Cubarsi's last contract, signed when he was still in the academy, includes a release clause of just €10m (£8.5m), and SPORT state that the Premier League's elite are well aware of that.

Manchester City are said to have tracked Cubarsi recently, as have Arsenal and Manchester United. Another suitor, Chelsea, were heavily linked with the teenager even before his breakthrough to the senior side.

Barcelona have informed Cubarsi's representatives that they plan to reward him with a new contract and, fortunately for the Catalan giants, the youngster is said to be delighted with life at the club at this point.

Cubarsi has dreamed of playing for Barcelona and is in no rush to bring that to an end, so he is expected to engage in contract talks happily.

However, up until a new contract is signed, any of the Premier League's elite can speak with Cubarsi by lodging a bid of €10m with Barcelona, who will have to hope that the youngster is not interested in listening.

Another boost to Barcelona's hopes of keeping Cubarsi is the fact that he would not be eligible to move to England until he turns 18, which will not be until January 22, 2025.

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