Barcelona beat Madrid to land wonderkid

Barcelona are set to complete the signing of young Rayo Vallecano forward Fabian Luzzi after flexing their financial muscles to beat Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, various sources have confirmed to ESPN.

Madrid and Atletico had both been in the race for Luzzi but Madrid pulled out once they saw how much Barca were prepared to offer the Spain youth international. A source with knowledge of the figures involved would not confirm the full details to ESPN but said Real Madrid would never pay that much for an academy player.

Luzzi, 16, has been tracked by several of Europe's top clubs and while he hasn't made his full debut for Rayo, he has been training regularly with the first team.

The teenager has still not signed a deal with Barca, who will only have to pay Rayo a small amount in development rights, but sources say he has committed to joining the Catalan club this summer.

Barca are prepared to pay big to secure young talent. Last year, they accidentally emailed Ilaix Moriba's contract offer to Espanyol, who were left "gobsmacked" at the figures being offered.

Once Luzzi signs he will will join up with Barca's under-19 team with an eye on progressing to the B team, who could be promoted to the second division when they take part in next month's playoffs.