Manchester City are trying to beat Brighton to Valentin Barco at Boca Juniors.
The 19-year-old left back has impressed since breaking into the Boca team and is also being trailed by RB Leipzig.
Brighton have been in pole position to land Barco but City are interested in triggering the Argentine’s £8million release clause.
It’s unclear whether the Treble winners view Barco as a player who can immediately be integrated into Pep Guardiola’s squad or settle elsewhere - either on loan or in the City Football Group’s stable of clubs.
Sergio Gomez is currently seen as the understudy in Barco’s position, although prefers to play further forward - as he did during Spain’s run to the Under-21 European Championship final.
City’s scouting network in South America has been strong since Joan Patsy took control of the operation, with the signing of Julian Alvarez their biggest triumph.