Scottish wonderkid Ryan Gauld has signed for Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old was watched by scouts from some of Europe’s top teams in action for Dundee United last season, with Manchester United and Liverpool rumoured to be particularly interested, and Real Madrid also keeping tabs.
But the midfielder has now signed a six-year deal with Sporting, which includes a €60m buy-out clause.
In a statement, United said: “Everyone at the club wishes Ryan sincere best wishes in his future career.”
Nicknamed Mini-Messi, Gauld caught the eye with a series of excellent displays last season, scoring eight goals in 38 appearances.
He is tipped to become a star of the Scotland national team, but has so far only played up to Under-21 level.
