Scouts from European champions Barcelona were in the stands at the recent Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

 

And the Catalan representatives are thought to have been checking on Dutch midfielder Stijn Schaars.

 

The midfield all-rounder only moved to Sporting over the summer from Eredivisie outfit AZ, costing the Portuguese giants the bargain price of a little under €1M.

 

Schaars has, along with countryman Ricky van Wolfswinkel, enjoyed a positive start to life in the Portuguese league.

 

And the 27-year-old’s form has not slipped by unnoticed.

 

Schaars has spoken of his delight at moving to Sporting, but would likely be highly tempted if Barcelona were to make a concrete offer for his services.

 

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