Barcelona confirm interest in River Plate teenager Claudio Echeverri

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has confirmed he's a fan of teenage River Plate midfielder Claudio Echeverri.

The youngster caught the eye at the recent Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia and has said he'd like to play for Barcelona.

"As well as River, I would like to play for Barça," he said. "I am a big Messi fan and I watched him play there, so they are a team I have followed since I was very young."

Xavi was asked about the youngster at his press conference on Friday and admitted he's well aware of his abilities.

"The boy is a talent," he said. "Beyond the hat-trick he scored against Brazil [at the U17 World Cup], he's a difference-maker, but it's something for the scouting department."

The midfielder has a release clause which is set at around €25 million ($27.3m), although it remains to be seen if Barca will follow up their interest with a bid.