Tottenham 'agree personal terms' with Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba as transfer 'imminent'

Tottenham are reportedly closing in on the signing of Barcelona wonderkid Iliax Moriba.

Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba, according to newspaper reports in Spain and talks are now believed to be advanced for the 18-year-old star. Moriba is widely regarded as one of the brightest La Masia graduates in recent times but his future in Catalonia remains up in the air.

The La Liga giants have been in talks with the player over a new contract but negotiations have stalled, much to the frustration of Ronald Koeman.

Moriba has been frozen out of the first-team set-up and is now expected to depart the club in the coming days.

RB Leipzig had been at the front of the queue but it now appears Tottenham are ready to win the race.

Multiple reports have broken today confirmed Spurs have made their move for the teenage sensation.

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Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms to sign Barcelona's Ilaix Moriba (Image: GETTY)

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Tottenham have already agreed personal terms with Moriba as they step up their pursuit of the star.

Spurs have held deep discussions with Moriba's representatives and are now confident of agreeing a deal.

The youngster is believed to favour a move to London over joining Leipzig with Mundo Deportivo now labelling the transfer as 'imminent.'

Koeman recently said on the situation: "I spoke with Ilaix two or three weeks ago, more as a person than as Barca coach.

"His situation is horrible because he is 18-years-old, has been able to play for the first team and is the future of the club. And he is not playing, is not with us.

"I know the club wants to offer this player (a new contract). And my advice (to him) is that money is not the most important thing; that is to play games. But the player, and with his people, have decided differently.

"I am disappointed by this because I believe that in football there is more than contracts. For someone of 18, the most important thing should not be money.”

Moriba has since taken the time to defend his corner, writing on Instagram: “Thousands of rumours and nobody knows the truth.”

Ilaix Moriba is said to prefer a move to Tottenham over RB Leipzig (Image: GETTY)

Tottenham have shown a tendency to move for bright, young players in the transfer market since Fabio Paratici's appointment as technical director.

Spurs wrapped up a £14.6m deal to sign Metz midfielder Pape Sarr earlier this week.

The young midfielder will now spend the rest of the campaign on loan at the Ligue 1 club before joining Tottenham next summer.

Sevilla's highly-rated attacking midfielder Bryan Gil was also snapped up as part of a swap deal involving Erik Lamela.

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