Real Madrid and Barcelona interested in signing €15m-rated attacker, who's compared with PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe - Reports

According to El Nacional, Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Uruguayan striker Luciano Rodriguez, who has been compared with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ace Kylian Mbappe.

Rodriguez was one of the stars to emerge from the Under-20 South American championships. The youngster scored five goals and provided three assists in nine games.

The 19 year old was lauded for his displays, with Liverpool FC Montevedio's president Jose Luis Palma saying:

"He's a total player. He scores; he assists; he's good physically; he has class, a winning character; he's good one-on-one ... He's the Uruguayan Mbappe."

The player has caught the attention of Spanish giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Los Blancos are keen to add a back-up to Karim Benzema in the summer, as the Frenchman is entering the twilight of his career.

Same is the case with Barca's Robert Lewandowski. They have also been linked with a move for Rodriguez. The Blaugrana are linked with Vitor Roque, as well. Rodriguez could prove to be a bargain signing for either Spanish giant. The player's quality is evident, and he would cost only around €15 million.

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Barcelona manager Xavi reacted to Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League elimination

In his first full season as the Barcelona manager, Xavi has dealt with Real Madrid very well. His side out-pointed Los Blancos to win the La Liga 2022-23. Barca also defeated the Madrid giants in the final of the Supercopa de Espana, which was Xavi's first trophy at the Blaugrana.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were recently eliminated from the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a 4-0 second-leg defeat to Manchester City (5-1 in aggregate). Xavi reacted to the result (via MARCA):

"I imagine it will be a joy for the Cules fans. I think City were far superior and took advantage of it. At the Bernabeu, they weren't. I said that for me, City are the best team in the world right now."

On his team winning La Liga, he said:

"We professionals value LaLiga a lot, regardless of what other teams do. Our measure is to see people feeling this joy and excitement. The most valuable thing is not that Madrid lose. The most important thing is to have done things well and to win LaLiga."

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have started scouting the transfer market as they look to strengthen their ranks for next season.