Amid the turmoil surrounding Chelsea and new manager Rafa Benitez, the Blues are set to be beaten to the signing of one of Europe's highly-rated youngsters by Manchester City.

Gerard Deulofeu is regarded in Barcelona as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi, not that at 25-years-old, the little Argentine is going anywhere anytime soon.

However, Deulofeu is itching to get some first team action, seeing his progress in the youth as well as the Barcelona 'B' team.

With Barca having an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, Deulofeu's chances are going to be limited, at least for the next year or so, and according to reports, the 18-year-old is growing impatient and wants to join a club where he can play with the first team.

Deulofeu is on a youth contract, and is stalling on a new deal with Barcelona, despite extensive negotiations. The La Masia product is so highly-rated that Nike gave signed him to a multi-million contract at the age of just 14.

Chelsea, with their new penchant for bringing in young players, were believed to be the frontrunners for the Spanish youngster's signature, but with the uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment, following the firing of Roberto Di Matteo, Deulofeu has been reportedly put off by the prospect of joining the Blues.

Man City, with their former Barcelona executives in Txiki Begiristain and Feran Soriano, are confident of usurping Chelsea to Deulofeu's signature.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also keeping tabs on another youngster in Luke Shaw, dubbed by many as the new Gareth Bale, with the Southampton left-back seen as a possible long-term replacement for Ashley Cole.

Ryan Bertrand has been making large strides in a Chelsea shirt, but the Blues hierarchy believes Shaw, seen as one of the best up and coming fullbacks in the Premier League, will turn himself into England's premier left-back as the Blues plan to fill the considerably large shoes of Cole, who is expected to sign for Paris St. Germain next summer.