The agent of Vitor Roque has claimed that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur each failed with bids to sign the youngster.
On Wednesday lunchtime, Barcelona confirmed that they had officially agreed terms with Athletico Paranaense and Roque to complete a transfer next summer.
If reports are to be believed, the Catalan giants will be paying a guaranteed €30m (£25.7m) with a further €31m (£26.5m) potentially being shelled out in add-ons.
Barcelona feel that they have pulled off a coup with the 18-year-old, already a Brazil international, having contributed seven goals and two assists from 13 league outings during 2023.
For some time, it has been perceived that Barcelona have had a free run to his signature, a consequence of the player only wanting to make the switch to Camp Nou.
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While that has proven to be true, there has been constant admiration from the Premier League, initially from Arsenal and Chelsea who expressed an interest in tempting the prospect to England.
However, according to Roque's representative Andre Cury, it was Man United and Spurs who were most keen, allegedly wishing to pay in excess of €100m (£85.5m) for Roque's services.
Speaking to the Charla Podcast, Cury said: "We received much bigger offers from Tottenham and Manchester United for Vitor Roque. It was over €100 million.
"But his career plan is well mapped out and we opted for Barcelona. The moment is not to look at the money but the career."
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Such claims come at a time when the Red Devils and Lilywhites are both in the market for a new forward, either for this summer or ahead of 2023-24.
United require a fresh face for the middle of their attack now, something which is proving more difficult than anticipated due to their issues with FFP and an ongoing takeover process.
Meanwhile, it appears highly likely that Spurs will eventually require a replacement for Harry Kane, who is out of contract in 2024 and seemingly has no intention of renewing his terms at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs have the option of cashing in on the England international this summer, yet it appears that Daniel Levy is insistent on rejecting any offers from the likes of Bayern Munich.
Darren Plant
