Aston Villa are aiming to beat Liverpool to the signing of Barcelona winger Adama Traore, sources have told ESPN FC.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Traore, with reports in Spain claiming he was set to fly into Merseyside to hold talks and undergo a medical.
However, Villa have now entered the race for Traore and are hoping to be given permission to talk to the 19-year-old about a move to the Premier League.
Villa are ready to offer €10 million to Barcelona for Traore, with the Catalan club looking to include a buy-back option in any deal for the winger before sanctioning his departure.
The Spain under-19 international has come through the ranks at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy but has been unable to establish himself, making just four appearances for the club.
The teenager is keen on a move away in search of regular first-team football and Villa believe this could give them a big advantage over Liverpool in the race for the winger's signature with competition for places more intense at Anfield than at Villa Park.