Barcelona academy midfielder Ebrima Tunkara linked with Aston Villa and Everton

Aston Villa and Everton have reportedly identified Barcelona academy midfielder Ebrima Tunkara as a possible target, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of the most promising talents in La Masia, and his progress has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs.

English interest

The report says English intermediaries who regularly visit Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva have given very positive assessments of Tunkara, which has prompted interest from multiple clubs. Aston Villa and Everton are considered the most strongly interested of those clubs.

Aston Villa had a close look at the player earlier this week, when Tunkara scored in a 3-3 draw for Barcelona's Juvenil A side against the English club in the UEFA Youth League. The report also claims there have been attempts to persuade the teenager to leave Barcelona and continue his development in England.

Barcelona stance

Barcelona are reportedly not concerned by the Premier League interest. The club views Tunkara as an integral part of its long-term plans and recently renewed his contract until 2029. According to the report, the player has also shown no sign of wanting to leave.

Rise through the ranks

Born in Gambia, Tunkara has been part of Barcelona's youth system since the 2018/19 season. He made his debut for Barça Atletic at the age of 15, in February earlier this year, and has since become an important player for coach Juliano Belletti's side.

His potential also earned him a chance to train with the first team during pre-season under Hansi Flick last summer. More recently, following the injury to Dani Olmo, he has been training regularly with the senior squad. The report states that he remains part of Barcelona's first-team plans under Flick, and that a departure is completely ruled out.