Barcelona are reportedly close to securing the signing of Santos' highly-rated forward Gabriel Barbosa.

The 18-year-old, who has been compared to fellow Brazilian Neymar, has been with his current club since 2004, making his first-team debut in 2013.

Since making the breakthrough, the teenager has scored 22 times in 63 games for Santos, which has led to a host of interest.

According to Fichajes.net, Barca have first option on Barbosa and will complete a deal once their transfer ban has been lifted.

Barbosa has also scored three times in six games for Brazil's Under-20 side.