Bad news for Chelsea? Barcelona sneak ahead in race to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao 'Messinho' Willian - who dreams of playing for Blaugrana

Chelsea had been linked with signing the future star but may come up short if the player opts for the Catalan giants. Mundo Deportivo report that, even despite the links with the Blues - as well as Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain - the player's dream is to play for Barcelona having watched the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar growing up.

Asked about his future, Messinho said previously: “To play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world. I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona and that’s the dream I have.

"I watch almost every Barca match, I’m a fan of the club. I have great admiration for the players who play there and I hope to be there too.”

Messi had been playing in the Barcelona first-team for over two years by the time Messinho, or 'Little Messi', was born. The Brazilian youngster was born in April 2007, Messi made his debut for Barcelona aged 16 in October 2004.

If Messinho is to join Barcelona, he will become part of a rich history of Brazilians playing in the famous Blaugrana. He will be following fellow Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque, recently joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.