MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a swoop for the "next Andres Iniesta" but are facing competition from Barcelona.
Royal Antwerp's 18-year-old sensation Arthur Vermeeren has drawn comparisons with Spanish legend Iniesta.
And Erik ten Hag is said to be "in love" with the Belgian playmaker.
The United boss brought in Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat to strengthen his midfield this season.
However, the Red Devils' start to the season has been far from perfect, losing three of their opening six matches.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, Ten Hag could turn to Vermeeren to shake things up further.
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After making his first-team debut last year, the midfielder has been playing regularly for Royal Antwerp this season.
And the report claims Old Trafford chiefs have contacted the teen's representative to discuss a potential transfer.
But they will not be alone in the chase, as LaLiga giants Barcelona are also keen on the star.
And Gent ace Sven Kums recently told Gazet van Antwerpen that there are similarities between Vermeeren and Barca legend Iniesta.
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He said: "I certainly wasn’t that good at that age. He’ll go much further than me, that seems clear to me. I like to see such types working.
"I didn’t used to watch a lot of football, but I would turn on my TV for Barcelona.
"For Xavi and Iniesta. Not that I see every Antwerp match now, but I have that with him too.
"You see that he scans a lot. He always chooses his position wisely. You can train for that a bit, but I think you either have something like that or you don’t. And he has that."
Kums continued: "To perform like this at such a young age is incredible.
"Vermeeren is a very good but also a beautiful footballer.
"I don’t know what’s true about what you sometimes read about the interest of big teams, but it wouldn’t surprise me."
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