Barcelona have bid rejected for 17-year-old Spurs and Arsenal target Alen Halilovic



Barcelona have had a bid for Croatian wonderkid Alen Halilovic rejected by Dynamo Zagreb.

The Catalans are thought to have offered around £3.2m plus add-ons for the 17-year-old, a target for both Tottenham and Arsenal.

Halilovic is the youngest goalscorer in the Croatian league and is also the youngest debutant for his national side.

Dynamo Zagreb's executive director, Zdravko Mamic, told Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List: 'The offer was not accepted because neither Dinamo, or Halilovic or his family are completely satisfied with the conditions. Yet the story does not stop here, and Barcelona are pressing for the transfer to take place.'

Talent: Alen Halilovic (right) is a target of several big European clubs

Halilovic has drawn some comparisons to former Spurs midfielder Luka Modric for his excellent technique - and even similar appearance - although he usually plays on the right or up front.

He has an aggressive dribbling style and cuts inside to shoot with his favoured left foot.

Andre Villas-Boas came close to bringing him to White Hart Lane last summer, but failed to seal the deal after the player's father recommended he stay at Dynamo.

Real Madrid - Modric's current club - have also been linked with the youngster, whose contract in Croatia expires this summer, but Barcelona are firm favourites to secure his signature.

Halilovic has drawn comparisons with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric for his excellent technique

Carlo Ancelotti's side tried to sign him three years ago, when Halilovic was 14, after seeing him perform at a youth tournament.

Halilovic became the second youngest ever Champions League player when he came on as a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2012.

In November Halilovic told Gazzetta dello Sport: 'My father told me that you cannot have a career in Croatia and reach the highest levels.

Halilovic could join stars like Lionel Messi if Barcelona improve their offer

'I've never been in talks either with Juventus or with Inter. I don't want to say which is my favourite team, in case I'll join another one.

'I love English and Spanish football, and during last summer I was near to a particular club, and they are still tracking me.'



