Barça pounce to sign deal for Argentine wonderkid Lucas Patanelli

Barcelona have signed a pre-contract deal with Lucas Patanelli, an attacking midfielder at Independiente in Argentina.

The Catalans have paid 4 million dollars for 50 per cent of Patanelli's rights and first option to buy, according to Independiente sources.

At just 16, the youngster will stay at Independiente, until when Barcelona see fit to bring him to La Masia to continue his career. 

Many other sides, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG and more are interested in a player that has been described as "the new Messi".

Patanelli had previously travelled to see Madrid's training ground Valdebebas with his family, telling Marca: "I like the style of Ronaldinho, I also follow Messi and Kun Aguero a lot".