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Barcelona technical director Eric Abidal has admitted the Spanish giants are keeping a close eye on Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez.

The 22-year-old is catching the eye in Italy after a series of stunning performances for Antonio Conte’s side, and swiftly becoming a wanted man among Europe’s elite sides.

Barcelona, who are known to be looking for a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez, are among those sides interested.

‘Yes, he is a complete player, I think he is performing at a great level,’ admitted Abidal recently to Mundo Deportivo.

‘He is a player we know, there are other players who also have a lot of quality.

‘I know Barca, I know what adaptation is like, but I don’t pay much attention to the player who plays every weekend, I look at others.’

Any move for Martinez would see the Argentine step up to fill the boots of Suarez, who recently acknowledged that it is normal for Barca to be looking for his replacement, as he enters the twilight of his career.

Suarez, now 32, has spoken with Abidal and is aware of the situation. The former Liverpool man has now spent five years at the Nou Camp, after sealing his dream transfer in the summer of 2014.

‘I am transparent with the players, Luis can tell you because last year I already told him that it was going to be like that,’ Abidal added.

‘That we were going to look for an offensive player and I don’t say he did not accept it, he accepted it because he wants the best for the team.’