Cristiano Ronaldo's Former Club Sporting Lisbon Sign Scottish Starlet Ryan Gauld: Dubbed The Next Lionel Messi

Quite often in sports they say it doesn't matter where you begin or how you start, but it 's where you finish that matters. Scottish teen sensation Ryan Gauld has become a hero of sorts for Dundee United. However for a few years now he's been linked with a $5 million deal to join a host of top clubs. The star' called "Mini Messi" after superstar Lionel Messi, has his move at long last. He has joined Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, the club that developed Cristiano Ronaldo before he burst on to the scene at Manchester United. 

The teenager has signed a six-year deal which includes a $70 million buy-out clause. Of course he has a long way to go before he commands a fee of that magnitude, but should he reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo, Sporting will get paid and he will get his big move. 

The move came as a shock as British stars are known for staying in their own league, whereas other players from other nations happily leave home to play in England. However, knowing he can play European football and follow in Ronaldo's footsteps, was evidently enough for him. 

The star will also follow on from one of the game's biggest legends in Luis Figo. So it's easy to see the attraction of the 18-times Portuguese champions. The youngster scored 8 goals in 38 games last season, but he will look to develop quickly whilst playing in the UEFA Champions League in the coming season. 

Can Gauld reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo, or is he yet another hyped-up teenager?