Anderlecht have reportedly hijacked Barcelona's move to sign former Chelsea youngster Tudor Mendel-Idowu.
The 18-year-old came up through the youth ranks at Cobham but departed at the end of the season after rejecting a new deal.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona had reached an agreement with Mendel-Idowu to join their Under-21 side.
However, Anderlecht have moved ahead of the Catalan side in the race to sign the youngster and are on the verge of landing the player on a free transfer.
Mendel-Idowu was regarded as one of Chelsea's finest prospects before his exit.
The attacking midfielder scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 35 appearances for the Blues' Under-18s last season.
Barcelona had planned to use him in their B team and promote him to the first team depending on his performances.
However, it has been reported that Belgian side Anderlecht are willing to offer him a place in the first team and higher salary.
Mendel-Idowu would become Anderlecht's fourth summer singing after they captured Kasper Dolberg, Louis Patris and Maxime Dupe.
Osimiripat
4
You made the right choice