Barcelona 'leading race for Real Madrid starlet Cesar Gelabert'

Barcelona have reportedly emerged as front-runners to sign highly-rated attacking midfielder Cesar Gelabert from arch-rivals Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his breakthrough into the Real Madrid first team but has been tipped as one of the brightest players to emerge from the club's academy in recent years.

However, his contract with Los Blancos is due to expire next year and Gelabert is keen for more assurances on his first-team chances under manager Zinedine Zidane before committing his future.

AS reports that Barcelona are at the front of the queue to sign him if he fails to agree new terms, with the Spanish champions hopeful that a good enough offer would tempt Madrid into selling despite the rivalry between the two clubs.

The report also claims that Arsenal are very interested in the youngster, while their Premier League rivals Manchester United are keeping tabs on the situation too.

Borussia Dortmund, Lyon and Real Zaragoza have also been credited with an interest in Gelabert, who is currently some way down the packed attacking midfield pecking order at Madrid.