Barcelona have still not paid West Bromwich Albion any compensation for Louie Barry and are happy for the case to be settled by FIFA, according to a report by ESPN. 

The 16-year-old striker came through the academy at West Brom and was regarded as one of the most exciting and highly-rated young talents in the country.

West Brom had planned to offer the England youth interntional a professional contract when he turned 17, but he decided to leave the club to join Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer.

Under FIFA's regulations, West Brom are entitled to fixed sum - reported to be around £230,000 - by way of compensation, as long as they can prove that they offered the player a contract to continue at the club.

However, despite Barry appearing for Barcelona's youth teams this season, the Catalan giants have so far refused to pay, and it was reported recently that West Brom are planning to raise the issue with FIFA in attempt to secure their money.

According to this latest report by ESPN, West Brom are compiling their evidence before submitting an official complaint to football's world governing body.

The report also states that Barcelona dispute that the contract that was offered to Barry by West Brom has value internationally and are happy for FIFA to make the final decision.

If the governing body side with the Baggies, the Spanish club will pay the money immediately.

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The Verdict

Barry is a very exciting and talented young striker and he could have a very big future ahead of him in football.

You can understand why he would have been tempted to join one of Europe's elite clubs like Barcelona, but it still would have been disappointing for the Baggies to lose a player of his potential.

The fact that they are still to receive any money for the player makes the situation even more frustrating and hopefully FIFA will take their side and order Barcelona to pay.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.