BARCELONA are itching to sign wonderkid Jun Nishikawa next month – as they are tortured by losing 'Japanese Messi' Takefusa Kubo to Real Madrid.

That's the claim from Spain, where Barca wince at the staggering progress of Nishikawa's fellow countryman and ex-Nou Camp trainee Kubo, 18.

Japan Under-20 attacking midfielder Nishikawa can join a European club from J-League club Cerezo Osaka once he turns 18 on February 21.

And Barcelona are hot favourites to land the teenager, who shone at the recent Under-17 World Cup with two goals and four assists from four games.

Football Espana say Nishikawa was recommended to Barca by former Villarreal and Real Sociedad manager Miguel Ángel Lotina, a Spaniard who has coached him.

And Barcelona are thought to have tracked him since last summer.

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