Barcelona have withdrawn from the race to sign Flamengo midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool.
The 21-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder is being touted as the next gem to emerge from the South American country and has been widely linked with a move to Europe.
It has been claimed that the Brazilian is eyeing a move in the January transfer window and a number of clubs in Europe have been circling around to sign him in the winter.
Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to be interested in taking him to England and it seems they will not now be facing competition from one of the giants of European football.
According to Catalan daily Sport, Barcelona have dropped out of the race to sign Paqueta after considering signing him.
The Brazilian emerged as a target for the Catalan giants as they continue to look to rejuvenate their midfield and the club’s technical team assessed the viability of signing the Flamengo man.
However, they are considering other options and are unlikely to make a move for Paqueta in January.
But there are more clubs who have been keeping tabs on him.
Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to pay his €50m release clause and AC Milan are trying to use Kaka’s connections to gain an edge in the chase.
