Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati 'ditches Lionel Messi's brother as his agent to join Jorge Mendes'

Barcelona's 17-year-old protege Ansu Fati has ditched the brother of club legend and team-mate Lionel Messi as his agent in favour of Jorge Mendes.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Fati has turned to super-agent Mendes, who represents a string of elite players across Europe, to take charge of his affairs.

The most notable member in the Mendes stable is Cristiano Ronaldo, but he also works with the likes of Ederson, Fabinho, Angel Di Maria and fellow Barca team-mate Nelson Semedo.

The Spanish publication adds that until now, Fati has worked alongside his father and Messi's brother Rodrigo when sorting his contracts at the Nou Camp.

His present deal runs until 2022 with a release clause of £154m. Mundo Deportivo add Barca have the option to extend Fati's deal by another two seasons and when he becomes more established in the first-team, his exit fee can rise as high as £362m.

The 17-year-old Fati has established himself as Barcelona's brightest young talent this season, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances for the Catalan club.

His side is expected to undergo a summer of upheaval under new manager Ronald Koeman after their emphatic 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions Leagie quarter-final.

That result has already seen Koeman's predecessor, Quique Setien, and sporting director Eric Abidal leave the club, with a string of high-profile players expected to follow.

Luis Suarez has been linked with a move back to Ajax, while players such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will reportedly be moved on by Koeman.

There is intesifying speculation about Messi's future, too. Reports swiftly emerged after the defeat by Bayern that he is considering his options after such an emphatic loss.