Barcelona show interest in signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar after opening initial talks

Barcelona are keen on signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar after having him watched on a number of occasions this season.

The Catalan giants have been alerted to the midfielder's quality following his impressive performances for the French club.

Aouar came through the ranks at his hometown club and was promoted to the first-team at the start of the year. He made three appearances during the 2016/17 campaign, and has made a further 15 already this season across all competitions.

The 19-year-old is capable of playing all across the midfielder, but his current regular position is in a deep lying midfielder's role. The Frenchman has become a regular in recent weeks, playing the full 90 minutes in six of the last nine games.

According to French publication L'Equipe, Barcelona have begun initial talks with the player's agent after having the midfielder scouted on a number of occasions. The La Liga giants, however, are not said to be looking at an immediate solution with the report labelling him a '"medium-term" transfer rather than something for the short-term.

Aouar's impressive performances for the Ligue 1 giants has seen him rise up the ranks in the national team. He made his France Under-21 debut on 9 November. The midfielder has contributed with two goals and three assists thus far, but continued performances on the same level is likely to attract other suitors apart from Barcelona.

The young Frenchman's transfer is likely to take the backseat when the window reopens in January with Barcelona targeting a number of other players to strengthen their team in the near future. Philippe Coutinho has been their long-term target and after failing with their efforts in the summer, they are expected to again return to try and sign the Liverpool midfielder in the winter.

Coutinho is not the only player on their radar with Mesut Ozil identified as a potential replacement. The Arsenal midfielder could agree a pre-contract with the Catalans ni January as he will enter the final six months of his contract with the Gunners.

Apart from their midfield, Ernesto Valverde's side are also possibly looking at bringing in reinforcements at the back. Samuel Umtiti's recent injury and reports suggesting Javier Mascherano's potential January exit, they have been liked with a centre-back signing.