Chelsea continue talks with Palmeiras over Brazil starlet Estevao Willian

Chelsea are continuing discussions with Palmeiras over 16-year-old Estevao Willian, known as 'Messinho'.

The winger has a £51.5m release clause which is unlikely to be reached by suitors who include Barcelona

The South American starlet 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.