Football
Sam MarsdenMoises Llorens 4y

Sources: Barcelona near new deal for U.S. youth international Konrad De La Fuente

Barcelona are in advanced talks to extend the contract of United States youth international Konrad De La Fuente, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Spanish champions want to tie him down to a new deal as soon as possible with his existing terms due to expire in 2020.

De La Fuente, 18, plays for the club's U19s, but the plan next season is to promote him to the B team, who compete in the third tier of Spanish football.

Patrick Kluivert, who was appointed director of youth football at Barcelona in the summer, has taken a particular shining to the American forward, who can play on either wing.

The former Dutch international is leading the contract negotiations, which sources say "have progressed well" and will include a release clause of at least €75 million.

De La Fuente, who featured for the U.S. at this year's U20 World Cup, has made 11 appearances in all competitions since the start of the campaign, scoring five goals -- including three in three UEFA Youth League matches.

He appeared once for the B team last season, making his debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Valencia B. However, he has not been used by reserve team coach Garcia Pimienta since.

De La Fuente was born in Miami to Haitian parents, but moved to Spain when he was 10, eventually joining Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2014.

In an interview with ESPN FC earlier this year, he described himself as a "dynamic winger, who is fast, skillful, tricky and likes to take players on."

De La Fuente will become the latest youngster to commit his future to the Catalan club following the deals signed by Ilaix Moriba and Ansu Fati in recent months.

^ Back to Top ^