In this Feb 18, 2020 photo, Argentina's Velez Sarfield player Thiago Almada celebrates his goal against Ecuador's Aucas during their Copa Sudamericana football match at Gonzalo Pozo stadium in Quito. (RODRIGO BUENDIA / AFP)

BUENOS AIRES - Barcelona have joined the race to sign Argentina Under-20 playmaker Thiago Almada, according to his club Velez Sarsfield.

Capped seven times for Argentina's Under-20 team, Thiago Almada has also been linked with Manchester United & Manchester City

The Catalan giants inquired about the 19-year-old after watching his performances for Velez in the Argentinian Superliga, said the club's director of football, Pablo Cavallero.

"The Barcelona technical department asked us about Almada," Cavallero told Argentinian news outlet Crack Deportivo.

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"He still needs to mature, but if an offer comes along that is irresistible for him and for the club, we will certainly consider it [a transfer]," he added.

Almada is contracted to Velez until June 2023 and club officials are said to be seeking at least 22 million euros for his sale.

Capped seven times for Argentina's Under-20 team, the attacking midfielder has also been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City.