Barcelona are interested in raiding rivals Real Madrid this summer, according to a new report – and they have already contacted intermediaries to "inform them of its interest" in the player.

It has been almost three decades since a player made a direct transfer from Real Madrid to Barcelona.

Back in the summer of 1996, Luis Enrique let his contract run down at the Bernabeu so he could join Barcelona on a free transfer – a decision that left a bitter taste in the mouth of many Los Blancos supporters.

He later stated that he "rarely felt appreciated by Madrid supporters" and "didn't have good memories there", despite making over 150 appearances across a five-year spell in the Spanish capital.

Since that move, nobody has dared to follow in the footsteps of Enrique, although that could all change this summer after Rodrygo was linked with a surprise move to the Camp Nou.

Rodrygo continues to be linked with a move away from Real Madrid. Image credit: Getty

A report from Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte claims Barcelona are "keeping an eye" on Rodrygo's situation. In fact, the Catalan side has contacted intermediaries to inform them of its interest in Rodrygo.

There are no ongoing talks yet, according to the report, but the reigning La Liga champions have made it clear that they are open to negotiations if Rodrygo decides to leave in the coming weeks.

The news comes after it emerged that Barcelona are advancing with a deal to sign Marcus Rashford on loan with an option to buy.

Premier League club pulls out of race to sign Rodrygo

So far, a number of Premier League sides have been linked with a summer move for Rodrygo, including Arsenal and Liverpool, but it appears Chelsea are unlikely to make a move due to his hefty wages.

Speaking on the London Is Blue podcast, Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law gave an insight into the rumour.

"The Rodrygo thing I never really saw as a goer. He is on huge wages and wants even bigger wages to move," he said.

"I think there's a massive fear among European clubs of committing to the sort of money it would take to sign Rodrygo. Because if it goes wrong... we've talked about Chelsea being able to sell well as their wages are at a certain level."

Law continued: "If it goes wrong with Rodrygo, you're stuck with an enormous problem. Chelsea already have a problem in [Raheem] Sterling this summer. It doesn't really fit with what Chelsea have been doing well and Chelsea have had success with to go and sign Rodrygo. I don't see Rodrygo [signing], and I never have."