Manchester United and Liverpool will need to battle it out with Spanish champions Barcelona if they are to sign Atletico Madrid starlet Koke, reports suggest.

The highly-rated 21-year-old, who has broken into Vicente Del Bosque's full Spanish squad, has enjoyed a meteoric rise during the last 12 months.

The industrious midfielder has matured into an integral part of Diego Simeone's excellent Atleti side, playing his part in Los Rojiblancos' fine start to their Liga and Champions League campaigns.

Comfortable in a central position or on either flank, the player recently signed a new deal at the Vicente Calderon, which includes a £17million release clause.

According to the Daily Express, Barca boss Gerardo Martino is be eager on taking the player to Catalunya as a long-term replacement for midfield metronome Xavi Hernandez.

However, both the reigning Premier League champions and five-time European Cup winners have also been keeping tabs on the player's development.

Both David Moyes and Brendan Rodgers are keen on adding to their midfields in January and a £17million fee for the dynamic Spaniard wouldn't prove prohibitive to either.

The future of the Atletico Madrid man could impact on another Premier League side, with Barcelona holding an interest in Chelsea's Ramires.

The 26-year-old Brazilian moved to Stamford Bridge in 2010, but is on Martino's shortlist to strengthen his midfield next summer - if he's beaten to the signature of Koke.

Source: Daily Mirror