Barca losing Messinho race — Romano names 'clear favourites' for €32m wonderkid

Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea are closing on the signature of Estevao Willian, also known as Messinho.

The journalist tweeted: "Understand Chelsea have reached verbal agreement with Willian Estevão on personal terms. Told initial bid still to be sent but it will be around €32m plus add-ons, as talks with Palmeiras will follow.

"Nothing done yet but CFC remain clear favorites since January."

Barcelona led the race for the 17-year-old until January but appear to have lost ground to Chelsea. The reported reason was, obviously, the club's financial problems.

It has also been reported recently that Real Madrid and Arsenal are monitoring the forward.