Barcelona are set to challenge Real Madrid in the race for Rennes' midfield prodigy Eduardo Camavinga, according to a report.

The 17-year-old has taken French football by storm this season, acting as a defensive midfield pivot for Julien Stephan's side and impressing many with his vision and passing range.

Fellow French clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon are believed to be interested in signing Camavinga, as are Manchester United, Liverpool and Real.

Reports in Spain now suggest that Barcelona have joined that race as well, with Lionel Messi believed to have called the player personally to try to encourage him to join the Catalan giants.

Real are thought to be interested in the Rennes youngster because coach Zinedine Zidane sees him as competition for, and the eventual successor to, Casemiro in the club's midfield.

Camavinga, who was born in Angola, became the Red and Blacks' youngest ever professional last December when he signed his first contract at 16 years and 35 days old.