Irons linked with wonderkid

West Ham United are the latest club to be linked with a move for young Paraguayan striker Juan Dario Iturbe.

The 16-year-old youth international, who can also play on the left side of midfield is widely considered to be one of the hottest talents to emerge from the South American country in recent years and has been linked with a whole host of major European clubs in recent weeks.

Real Madrid, Roma and Manchester United are amongst the continent's biggest clubs to be linked with a move for the 5'7" Cerro Porteno player, whilst Tottenham have also been credited with showing an interest.

Iturbe, who cites Real's Ronaldo as his favourite player, is a fan of Manchester United and admits that it is they who he dreams of playing for one day.

Born in Argentina, he recently made his debut for the Paraguayan national under 20 side having only recently broken through to the Azulgrana first team, where he was handed his debut by former Argentinian international Pedro Troglio.

A work permit is unlikely to be a problem as Iturbe - who Porteno fans refer to as 'our Messi' - qualifies for Spanish citizenship through his family. He is expected to move to Europe later in the year.