Brazilian wonderkid likened to Messi 'names Barcelona as his dream destination'

Barcelona have reportedly been given the go ahead to sign highly-rated Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian.

The winger earned the nickname 'Messinho' in his youth for his technical similarities to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and he became the youngest Brazilian player to be sponsored by Nike aged just 10 in 2018.

Estevao made his senior debut for Palmeiras in December, becoming the club's fourth-youngest player in the process.

But despite being at such an early stage in his career, the Brazil youth international is already generating significant interest from European clubs.

According to a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Estevao is determined to join Barcelona once FIFA transfer regulations permit him to leave South America in the summer of 2025.

Barcelona are said to have been monitoring Estevao's progress closely for at least a year, with the club's sporting director Deco reportedly a huge admirer of the young talent.

Estevao is keen to follow in Messi's footsteps in Catalonia, describing Barcelona as his 'dream move', with Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG all reportedly also interested in signing the starlet.

Last year, the 16-year-old was selected to be part of Brazil's team at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

Estevao appeared in all five of Brazil's matches, including a 2-1 win over an England team that featured Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri in the group stage.

The Selecao would ultimately be eliminated in the quarter-finals in a 3-0 defeat to Argentina.

The Catalan giants might have already made a move for Estevao if their financial situation wasn't quite as delicate as it currently is.

The Blaugrana's financial outlook is not quite as bleak as it was at times in recent years where the club