Barcelona sign new Lionel Messi?

Barcelona have signed nine-year-old Irishman Zak Gilsenan after the youngster scored seven goals during a trial game in Spain.

Gilsenan has been touted as the 'new Lionel Messi' following a series of impressive performances, and the boy's family are reportedly preparing to relocate to Spain.

The youngster has earned a place on the FCBE Scola – famous for turning out the likes of Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Zak's father, Stephen, told The Mirror: "I know Zak is young to be doing this but kids are like a sponge at this age. People say we are mad but in Barcelona he will be educated in the best footballing techniques.

"All we can do is go and see how it develops. We know it's ruthless over there. We don't want him turned into a machine, we just want him to enjoy it."

Gilsenan is expected to develop into a central striker.