Barcelona deliver transfer verdict amid Newcastle United and Manchester United bidding war claims

Barcelona are hoping to persuade Newcastle United target Vanderson to snub Premier League interest during the January transfer window.

The La Liga giants and the Magpies have reportedly registered an interest in the Monaco full-back and have monitored his progress since he moved to Ligue 1 in January.

However, reports in Spain have suggested Barca will refuse to enter into a bidding war with Newcastle and Premier League rivals Manchester United as they look to land the highly-rated Brazilian.

Spanish outlet Sport have revealed Camp Nou legend Xavi is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old and is hoping to sign the Monaco star to give competition to former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin.

The loan deal that took USA international Sergino Dest to AC Milan left Barcelona with only one natural right-back in their squad and that has forced Xavi to field centre-back Jules Kounde into emergency action on the right-hand side of his defence.

That has forced the World Cup winner to look for options elsewhere - and the report states Barcelona made an initial approach for Vanderson during the summer but were put off by a reported £53million asking price.

Sport go on to suggest there have been ‘murmurs’ this season could be the Brazil Under-23 international’s final year at Monaco and he will look to secure a move away from Ligue 1 next summer.

The latest update also reveals Barcelona ‘remain keen’ on Vanderson but will only progress if they are not forced into a bidding war with the Premier League clubs and ‘certain conditions’ over the deal are put in place.