Last Updated: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:56
Liverpool have signed a 16-year-old Argentinian prospect from Real Madrid - who is being dubbed the 'new Leonel Messi'.
Rafael Benitez has swooped to capture the schoolboy star from the Spanish giants, taking advantage of the same loophole in junior contracts that enabled Arsenal to snap up Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.
Gerardo Bruna will arrive at Anfield on a three -year deal, carrying a big reputation after dazzling performances in midfield for the Real youth set-up.
Spanish newspaper AS reports the deal today as a major blow for the Madrid club who had likened his talent to that of Messi.
Bruna is half Spanish and has an EU passport which means he won't need a work permit to play in England.