According to reports from El Confidential, Barcelona have been attempting to 'tap up' Arsenal star Hector Bellerin and Manchester City transfer target Aymeric Laporte.

The Spain international rose through the ranks at Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy before moving to north London in summer 2013, where he has since emerged as one of the most exciting young full-backs in world football.

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Barcelona have been tipped to swoop for the 21-year-old by a variety of sources in recent weeks, including Goal, amid reports claiming resident right-back Dani Alves is set to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer.

But El Confidential claim Barcelona sporting director Roberto Fernandez has been using underhanded methods to lure Bellerin back to his former club, alleging he's made contact with the defender without Arsenal's permission - despite making it clear they have no plans to sell this summer.

The Spanish publication have made similar allegations in regards to Aymeric Laporte. Manchester City are ready to activate the Athletic Bilbao prodigy's £39million release clause according to The Guardian, but it appears Barca have been cutting corners in a bid to beat the Citizens to his signature.

Journalist Kike Marin finishes the particularly condemning article by reiterating two articles from the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Article 17 paragraph 5; "Any person subject to the Statutes and regulations of FIFA (officials of clubs, players ' agents, players, etc.) will be sanctioned acting in any way to induce the termination of a contract between a professional and a club with the purpose of facilitating the transfer of the player.

Article 18 paragraph 3; "A club wishing to enter into a contract with a professional player must communicate in writing its intention to club player before starting negotiations with the player. A professional player will free to sign a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or will expire within six months. Any violation of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanctions."

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