Barcelona fear that Mexican Giovani dos Santos will join Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea in the New Year because the 18-year-old has hired Pini Zahavi as his new agent.
United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keeping close tabs on the skilful attacking midfielder — touted as a successor to Ronaldinho at the Nou Camp — who made his debut for Mexico against Panama recently.
Giovani, who starred in Mexico's Under-17 World Cup win in 2005, is under contract at Barca until 2008 and has a buy-out clause of around £10 million. But because he signed his contract before he turned 18 and was not officially an adult, his deal may not be legally enforceable.
Zahavi, who fixed Roman Abramovich's deal to buy Chelsea and who has negotiated many transfers for United, will act for Giovani in November.
Zahavi said: "Until then I will not speak to anyone about him. There has been no contact with English clubs. But obviously Giovani is a diamond of world football. He has a contract until 2008 but he signed when he was under 18, so you can look at that how you wish."
Barca fear that Zahavi's links with Abramovich and Sir Alex Ferguson mean they may have to break their budget to keep him.
Dos Santos, son of former Brazilian player Zizinho, has a European Union passport and will not require a work permit.
United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keeping close tabs on the skilful attacking midfielder — touted as a successor to Ronaldinho at the Nou Camp — who made his debut for Mexico against Panama recently.
Giovani, who starred in Mexico's Under-17 World Cup win in 2005, is under contract at Barca until 2008 and has a buy-out clause of around £10 million. But because he signed his contract before he turned 18 and was not officially an adult, his deal may not be legally enforceable.
Zahavi, who fixed Roman Abramovich's deal to buy Chelsea and who has negotiated many transfers for United, will act for Giovani in November.
Zahavi said: "Until then I will not speak to anyone about him. There has been no contact with English clubs. But obviously Giovani is a diamond of world football. He has a contract until 2008 but he signed when he was under 18, so you can look at that how you wish."
Barca fear that Zahavi's links with Abramovich and Sir Alex Ferguson mean they may have to break their budget to keep him.
Dos Santos, son of former Brazilian player Zizinho, has a European Union passport and will not require a work permit.
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