A cluster of leading European clubs are chasing the signature of a right-back valued at €19m (US$22.1m).
Spanish second tier outfit Almeria would welcome the fee for their rising star Marc Pubill, with Barcelona currently in pole position to purchase the 20-year-old and send him a season-long loan to Seville-based Real Betis.
Pubill has made 34 La Liga appearances for both Almeria and Levante, but excelled last season with the team finishing sixth in Segunda Division. He scored once in his 36 appearances last term.
Despite his contract with Almeria expiring in June 2029, an opportunity for top flight soccer would seem enticing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have stepped up their interest, despite having kicked off pre-season training, and could be an attractive option for Pubill who scored against Slovakia in the Under-21 Euros last June.
Serie A sides join race
AC Milan and Juventus are preparing to scupper rival competitors, with an attractive long-term deal and an annual salary of €1.2m (US$1.4m). The only obstacle is the two Serie A sides only wish to offer €15m (US$17.4m).
Former Juve head coach Max Allegri wants a done deal by the end of this week so that Bulbill could go on their pre-season tour to Asia and Australia.
Negotiations are underway over a potential deal to both AC Milan and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Barcelona and Juventus lagging behind but still in the frame for a player who is expected to soon feature for the Spain senior side.
Cash-strapped Juve have been slow to snap up players during the promised summer revamp under manager Igor Tudor, and their continued hesitation could prove costly by the time they tackle the Serie A campaign.