City coup after securing deal for Ronaldinho's son

JOAO MENDES SIGNS FOR CLUB'S ACADEMY

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City have pulled off quite a coup by snapping up the son of former Barcelona star Ronaldinho, Joao Mendes, with the youngster set to link up with the club's academy.

Mendes is expected to be part of the club's Under-21s setup at Bishop Burton College after joining from Burnley, where he spent just over 12 months following his arrival from Spanish giants Barcelona on a two-year deal before leaving in the summer.

The 20-year-old, who is primarily a left-footed winger, began life in Rio at Cruzeiro's academy before joining Barcelona's La Masia academy, the club where his dad made his name during a stellar playing career.