Barcelona jump ahead of Real Madrid in race to sign exciting midfielder - Reports

Barcelona are reportedly ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign exciting Liverpool Montevideo midfielder Fabricio Diaz.

According to El Nacional, Real Madrid are interested in signing the 20-year-old defensive midfielder. However, the player is keen to move to Barca and play under Xavi Hernandez instead.

Despite his young age, Diaz has featured in 116 senior games for the club across competitions. He's the captain of Uruguay's U20 team, for whom he has scored eight times in 19 appearances.

The operation to sign Diaz will reportedly be closely linked to Sergio Busquets' future at the Camp Nou. The 34-year-old could leave as a free agent this summer if he doesn't renew his deal. In the event that he stays, Diaz could have to stay at Liverpool Montevideo for another season.

The Uruguayan midfielder's contract at the Estadio Belvedere expires in 2026, and he's currently valued at €5 million. Apparently, an offer of €6 million could be enough to prise him away from the Uruguayan capital.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are close to sealing a deal for Jude Bellingham to bolster their midfield. According to BILD, the Englishman is set to reject a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund, who hope to rake in €150 million by selling him.

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What's next for Barcelona and Real Madrid this season?

As has often been the case, both Madrid and Barcelona have entered the business end of the season with silverware on the line.

Barca lifted their first trophy this season when they won the Supercopa de Espana against Real Madrid in January. Los Blancos, meanwhile, beat Eintracht Frankfurt to win the UEFA Super Cup in August before winning the FIFA Club World Cup in February.

Their most recent triumph came on May 6, when they beat Osasuna 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final. Both teams can win more silverware this season. Barcelona are set to win La Liga for the first time in four years.

They hold a 13-point lead atop the standings with five games remaining. Los Blancos, meanwhile, find themselves in another UEFA Champions League semifinal. They face Manchester City in the first leg on Tuesday (May 9) before the tie concludes in Manchester eight days later.