Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race for Las Palmas' teenage midfield maestro Alberto Moleiro, who is considered to be in the same mould of FC Barcelona sensation Pedri...

What's the word?

Before the World Cup, a report from Mundo Deportivo stated that Liverpool and Manchester City were set to rival Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signing of Moleiro, who has recently distinguished himself as his Canary Island outfit's most coveted asset.

And now, according to Spanish outlet AS, the European giants have been joined by the Villans, who have set their sights on completing the acquisition of one of the countries most talented young starlets.

The reports state that the 19-year-old holds a release clause of £26.4m by his club, Moleiro certainly has a vibrant pick of options when considering his future, and Villa boss Unai Emery will have to put forth a compelling case if he is to lure him toward the Midlands.

Villa's own Pedri?

The reports from Spain state that while Moleiro's release clause will double should his club achieve promotion to the Spanish La Liga, and with Las Palmas currently the Segunda Division table-toppers, interested suitors might be scrambling to clinch his signature this January, before potentially having to part with a extortionate sum for an untested commodity at top-flight level.

Dubbed a "treasure" by statistical site Opta, Moleiro has made 14 starting appearances from his playmaking role in the team, earning five assists for his exemplary passing play.

Moleiro has been described as the next Pedri of Spanish football, with the 20-year-old Barca phenom captivating for club and country since himself signing for the Blaugrana from Las Palmas in the summer of 2020.

Making 94 appearances thus far for his current club, Pedri has clinched 12 goals and provided seven assists from his deep-lying role at the heart of the Nou Camp, dictating the play with supreme ball-playing abilities that belie his youthful years.

With clear semblance between the two maestros, and Las Palmas clearly possessing something of a knack for developing and nurturing young prospects at the centre of the midfield, Villa chief Johan Lange would be wise to take a punt and pay the release clause quickly, bringing the starlet to Villa Park and warding away the interest of some of the continents top outfits.