From Stoke to Barcelona?! La Liga giants considering shock swoop to sign Port Vale youngster after just three senior games including clash against Wrexham

According to the Daily Mirror, Brazier has become the talk of a number of scouts across Europe's biggest clubs following eye-catching performances for Port Vale's academy. The midfielder has impressed the senior side's boss, Andy Crosby, and earned his first minutes in the first-team in the EFL Trophy. Brazier came off the bench in the 92nd minute against Crewe to make his debut. He then went on to feature as a substitute against Newcastle U21s and Wrexham.

The Port Vale boss Crosby has heaped praise on his young players after Brazier's debut. He said: “For the football club to finish off with four academy players on the pitch at the end is really good. We finished off the game with all outfield players 23 and under, so it’s really good for the long-term future of the football club and I’ve got to give credit to the academy and all of the coaches.

"Baylee Dipepa and Liam Brazier were with us in pre-season and have now gone back into their natural group to continue to grow and get game time"

It is the unfortunate reality for a lot of League One clubs that once a young player starts attracting interest, retaining their services becomes tricky. It would be difficult to deny Brazier the opportunity to move to the Catalan giants should an offer materialise.

Brazier will continue to play with the Port Vale academy teams with the aim of breaking into the first-team. Should the midfielder begin collecting minutes in League One and performing at a high level, an unlikely transfer to one of the biggest clubs in Europe may even be on the cards.