BARCELONE IN AGREEMENT WITH A 16YEAR OLD MIDFIELDER

The Catalan club have rushed ahead of their European rivals by tying up a deal for the young midfielder, with Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea said to be interested


 Barcelona have tied up a deal for 16-year-old Independiente midfielder Lucas Patanelli, securing the Argentine's signature under the noses of Real Madrid, who were also tracking the latest player to be dubbed as the 'new Messi'.

According to the EFE Agency, Barcelona have paid $4 million for a 50 per cent stake in the youngster and the right to sign the Argentine as and when they see fit to bring him over to Catalonia.

Patanelli will remain at Independiente this season, but Barca have moved ahead of rivals Madrid, as well as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Porto in the chase for the young star.