Chelsea have failed to get their claws into the latest boy wonder, according to reports in Portugal, after ten-year-old Cristian Ponde snubbed the overtures of The Premiership's big-spenders.
The cash-rich Blues are determined to build for the future and they have been linked with a string of teenage talents across the globe.
But they have attempted to break new ground by trying to tempt Ponde to Stamford Bridge from Portugal.
Despite only being ten-years-old, Ponde is tipped for a brilliant future and his burgeoning talent has caught the eye of several Portuguese clubs, in addition to Chelsea.
Born in Romania, Ponde arrived in Portugal two years ago and his ability quickly alerted some of Portugal's leading clubs.
He was wanted by Benfica and Belenenses, while Sporting Lisbon made the strongest move to snare his services.
That prompted Chelsea, who are coached by Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho, to try to lure Ponde to England.
But Ponde had set his heart on signing up for Sporting and, after visiting the club, his parents were convinced it was the right move.
He will join Sporting's academy programme in 2006 but his progress is certain to be monitored by Chelsea.
