Stoke City are chasing Sergi Roberto (Picture: Getty)

Stoke City are ahead in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto with the player already in England waiting for a deal to be agreed.

Roberto, 22, has earned a reputation as one of Barca’s brightest young prospects, with some comparing him to Xavi in recent years for his excellent midfield performances.

But having failed to knuckle down a first-team place this season, reports suggest he has been allowed to leave the Nou Camp in January, and Stoke are keen on a deal.

Roberto was at the Britannia Stadium this week to visit former Barca colleagues Bojan and Marc Muniesa – and he could now join them at the club if the deal goes through as planned.


Arsenal and Tottenham are thought to have previously had bids rejected for the pass-master.