Liverpool and Chelsea are both looking to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to reports in the Catalan media.

The 16-year-old hasn’t signed a professional contract with Barca and the Premier League sides are keen to snap up the teenager.

Despite Chelsea’s transfer ban, FIFA have given them permission to sign players 16 years or under, and Balde would fit into that category.

Barcelona are said to be determined to keep the Spaniard but the youngster is apparently keen to make the switch to England.

Balde graduated from the La Masia academy to play for Barca’s Under 17 side last season and has a number of caps for Spain at Under 16 level.

Liverpool have yet to make a move for a high profile player this summer but they continue to strengthen their crop of young talent.

They are said to be looking to sign Polish goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski, as well as Zwolle’s Sepp van den Berg.