Watford are reportedly keeping a close eye on the performances of Colombian loanee Juan Camilo Hernandez, who is turning heads at Spanish second-tier leaders Huesca.

The 18-year-old has been tipped by South American pundits as one of the best talents to emerge from Colombia in recent years, following a production line which has previously exported the likes of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.

Those predictions came even before he signed for Watford in the summer, and was immediately loaned out to the continent just as many other non-EU imports have been with their prospects of earning a work permit slim.

But Hernandez, unlike some of the others considered unlikely to break through at Vicarage Road, is attracting attention from both inside the club and elsewhere.

This week, the Spanish press have reported Barcelona are expressing an interest in the youngster, who is also comfortable on the wing in the same manner as Richarlison.

Hernandez has scored nine times for Huesca already this season, in his first campaign outside of his own country, helping the club lead significantly bigger names including Granada, Osasuna and Numancia in the promotion race for what would be a first ever stint in La Liga.

In fact, for a side which has netted only 19 times in 14 games, he has provided almost half of their league goals so far - and so it is little wonder bigger fish are already circling.

“He is quick and also has a good strike on the ball,” said Emilio Vega, Huesca’s sports director.

Watford have never publicly confirmed Hernandez joined the club from his home country earlier this year.

But el Periodico de Aragon, a regional newspaper in the small north-eastern province of Spain where Huesca is based, understands that the club plan to loan him out to a La Liga side next season, with Huesca firmly in the frame should they achieve promotion.

That is largely down to the fact he has very little chance of earning a work permit even with a full season in Spain under his belt. Special exemption laws, which allowed Richarlison to move, do not extend below a country’s top flight.

However, should he receive a surprise call-up to the World Cup with Colombia next summer, things would look very different; his performance on an international stage was what allowed Isaac Success the chance to join Watford in the summer of 2016.

Hernandez’s rapid adaptation to European football has surprised almost everyone, including Gino Pozzo according to reports, but with his stocky build and unquestionable talent, there are parallels to be drawn between himself and Richarlison, both of whom look supremely exciting talents.

Certainly for Simon Edwards, a British journalist based in Colombia, it has been less of a shock, especially as his rare level of maturity was highlighted when named captain of Deportivo Pereira aged just 17.

“There just never seems to be any adaptation with him,” he said. “He just plays football and takes responsibility for games.

“He contributes in defence, drives forward and makes things happen. He has ability and physical attributes, but his maturity, mental strength and leadership is amazing.”