Arsenal pip Real Madrid for Timpano

Australian U17 captain Jacob Timpano has been invited for a trial by Arsenal, according to BBC Sport.

The 17-year-old, who currently plays for Wollongong Wolves in Australia's National League, is also attracting the interest of Real Madrid.

"Arsenal want him and they have invited him over," a source told the BBC website.

"He definitely has the talent to make it in the Premiership but Madrid are also keen on taking him."

A slight stumbling block could be that Australia's youngsters are not permitted to move to Europe without parental supervision before they reach their 18th birthday, and Timpano is not 18 until January 2004.