Barcelona are interested in signing Johan Mina

Barcelona are interested in signing Johan Mina, the under-17 star of Ecuador, a Spanish press report said on Friday.

Mina was a brilliant performer at the U-17 Copa America in Peru (last March), scoring six goals and making two, contributing strongly to his country's fourth place.

In the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers, Mina scored three hat-tricks against Chile and two against Argentina, also helping Ecuador qualify for the U-17 World Cup, which begins in Brazil on Saturday.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona are following many young Ecuadorian players, but it is Mina who caught his eye.

She continued: "But Mina and according to FIFA regulations can not yet sign for any other club because of his age, and this will be available when he completes 18 years in February next."

Ecuadorian emilic, Mina's side, have been trying to renew the player's contract, but the talks have yet to reach an agreement, which is why the young star has not played or coached since October.

Mina is also of interest to Chelsea, according to his agent Clinton Tenorio.