This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

At first sight, Barcelona don’t really seem like a club with an old squad.

After all, their current average age stands at 26.5 as per Transfermarkt and that, although not the youngest, is still far from alarming, isn’t it?

But upon further inspection, we can see that the main hub of that team is really getting on. All of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are already on the wrong side of their 30s and not getting any younger.

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And while the inevitable departure of Messi seems like a catastrophe waiting to happen, the Blaugrana might also run into trouble once Busquets calls it a day.

Of course, the signing of Frenkie de Jong could help but Ernesto Valverde has so far played the young Dutchman in that defensive midfielder role only six times out of 18 games in total that Transfermarkt have in their database, which could indicate that the Barcelona boss prefers to have him further up the pitch instead.

For that reason, their recent links to Rennes 17-year-old prodigy, Eduardo Camavinga, don’t really come as a surprise and seem like a rather good idea.

L’Equipe (via Mundo Deportivo) stated the French club will ask for around €60m (£51m) for their gem and Barcelona could face some competition from Manchester United as well.

But looking at the young talent, he really does seem worth the hassle.

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After all, he has already played a total of 23 games for Rennes in Ligue 1 despite being just 17 years of age and even has one assist to his name.

He’s a natural defensive midfielder by trade and that is very much visible in his statistics this season.

Camavinga has averaged an incredible 4.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the French top-flight and has managed to maintain 87.5% passing accuracy, suggesting he’s quite good on the ball as well.

By all means, he really does seem like Busquets’ young replica and a perfect heir for Barcelona.

Of course, the Red Devils should also not be completely disregarded in this conversation.

The only true defensive midfielder they have in their squad is Nemanja Matic and the Serbian is slowly but surely getting on, similarly to Busquets.

Not to mention that he has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, seeing how his current contract is due to run out next summer and there are no clear indications that he might sign an extension.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has every right to chase Camavinga and for that reason, Blaugrana might not get the youngster without a fight.

Elsewhere, Gary Neville’s recent comments on Jose Mourinho have really stirred the pot with many Spurs fans…