REAL MADRID are set to pinch PSG star Marco Verratti from under the noses of Barcelona in the summer, according to reports.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, 24, is considered one of the best around in central midfield and is widely assumed to be leaving the Parc des Princes.

4 Marco Verratti has been tipped to succeed Andres Iniesta at Barcelona - but Real are now interested Credit: Getty Images

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Mundo Deportivo reported earlier today that Barcelona made initial steps to bring him to the Nou Camp after the club spoke to his agent, Donato Di Campli, during the 0-0 draw with Juventus.

They see him as a natural successor to club legend Andres Iniesta - with the Spaniard even saying himself that he rates Verratti to fill his shoes.

4 PSG favourite Marco Verratti is rated by many as the finest midfielder in Ligue 1 Credit: EPA

And Verratti pulled the strings in PSG’s famous 4-0 victory over the Catalans in the Champions League.

But now Barca's fierce La Liga rivals Madrid have entered the race in a bit to scupper any move with a bid of their own, says Spanish title Don Balon.

4 Verratti reportedly wants assurances from Madrid that they will dominate European football in years to come Credit: EPA

They say the midfielder wants to move to the Bernabeu and has demanded that if he moves to the Spanish capital, he wants wage parity with stars Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

4 Real chief Florentino Perez has made a career out of huge transfer deals Credit: EPA

And they also claim Verratti wants to be reassured that they will dominate Spanish and European football for years to come, and win trophies.

Madrid reportedly will do whatever it takes to make sure Verratti chooses them over Barca, and other interested parties such as Chelsea and Manchester United.