Chelsea snap up 16-year-old 'Scottish Rooney'

London: Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated 16-year-old Celtic wonderkid Islam Feruz, the player’s agent has confirmed.

Somali-born Feruz turned down the offer of a professional contract with the Scottish side - in addition to reported interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle and Blackburn - to join the Blues.

The player’s agent, Rui Alves, believes the move represents both a huge opportunity and a huge challenge for his client.

"It is a massive step for Islam and for Scottish football," Alves told skysports.com.

"Now for him personally it is the beginning of a major adventure, he will have to work, work and work and raise his own level."

"Playing for a top club like Chelsea, where the major word in the squad is 'quality', will oblige him to show his own quality and deliver his best and convince the staff that he is more than just a major prospect."

Alves revealed that despite the Europe-wide competition for Feruz’s signature, Stamford Bridge was always the player's preferred destination.

"The first impression was extraordinary, it is a feeling that the whole club is behind him, they will support him on a daily basis and give him total trust and make him believe," he added.

"It was not just every club in the Premiership but also most big clubs in Europe who were tracking him. He is the one serious player in Scotland at the moment."

Feruz's physical and technical attributes have seen him labeled 'the Scottish Wayne Rooney', but Alves believes the comparison is misleading.

"Islam is a totally different player than Rooney - he is explosive with an amazing strength and good strike, but due to his speed he can also play on both wings," he said.

"But like Rooney, Islam doesn't cheat, you won't see him crying on the floor begging for cards or arguing with referees and I believe he will raise his level very, very fast."

Despite his decision to leave, Alves was at pains to stress that Feruz will always appreciate the contribution Celtic made to his development, and will choose to represent Scotland at international level.

"He is looking forward to starting his career with Chelsea, but he would love to thank Celtic for all they did for him and his parents, he is Scottish and will one day score goals for Scotland," he said.