Man City enter race for 'next Lionel Messi' and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are one of three English clubs tracking Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, according to reports.

Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly tracking the 16-year-old, dubbed “Messinho” for his likeness to Argentine great Lionel Messi. Updated transfer regulations mean Estevao cannot join City until he turns 18 unless he receives a full Brazil call-up.

At under-17 level he has bagged three international goals in five appearances and his release clause is already valued at a staggering £60million - a fee top-flight clubs are said to be willing to pay. However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo suggest the player prefers a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.

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Barca do not boast the same financial muscle as English clubs but the report claims they could still strike a deal with Palmeiras. The Brazilian giants are keen to cash in on Estevao - the youngest person to sign a professional contract with Nike.

A wave of South American youngsters have already agreed moves to top European clubs and Estevao is next off the conveyor belt. Real Madrid have already announced his Palmeiras teammate Endrick will switch to the Bernabeu next season.

Elsewhere, Calciomercato claim City are facing competition from Bournemouth and Inter Milan for Tajon Buchanan. A versatile player, the Club Brugge man can operate at right-back or in midfield, making him ideal for Pep Guardiola’s “inverted full-back” role.

Buchanan has 18 months remaining on his contract and could be available for around £10million. Inter have been monitoring the