Barcelona could have 'stolen' Fede Valverde away from Real Madrid

Rodolfo Catino, the vice president of Peñarol, has revealed that Barcelona made an offer for Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde.

Valverde came through the ranks at the Uruguayan club before signing for Madrid but his future could have taken a very different path.

"As well as Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and Barça were interested in Federico," Catino told Diario AS. "Barça didn't want to pay the price we were demanding, nor did they get close to (Valverde). They missed out on a great player for not wanting to make that financial effort."

Valverde, 21, has been one of the stars of the La Liga season so far. His importance to Zinedine Zidane's side has grown to the point that he's now leaving Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric on the bench.