Southampton’s celebrated academy looks set to add another future superstar to its ranks, in the form of Portuguese winger Kevin Andrade.

The 14-year-old began life at FC Porto at the tender age of just 4, and was crowned top scorer in the past two seasons before moving to England in September 2018.

After attending the UK Football Trials event in December, Kevin was the subject of strong interest from two Premier League clubs – Watford and Southampton – both of whom invited him in for a trial.

Kevin’s brother, Alvaro, spoke to us after the trial at Southampton and offered an insight into Kevin’s football life so far.

“He is a winger who loves having the freedom to express himself,” said Alvaro.

“He was doing well at FC Porto before but he decided he wanted to come to England, there was no other option in his mind.”

“Initially Kevin was training with Peterborough u16’s but long term the distance proved too much of an obstacle, it was a long way from his home in London.

“Then we saw UK Football Trials and it was clear that it was the best place for exposure to scouts, so we booked him in and since that day it has sky-rocketed, everything has been amazing.”

Alvaro continued: “We had Derby, Watford and Wolves all knocking on the door and he played in a trial game for Watford, but to be honest it wasn’t one of his best games.

“A few days later we had contact from Chelsea and then Southampton, who invited him down for a trial match - he did well and was able to show his strengths.”

Southampton have secured the services of the exciting starlet, for now at least, by signing him on to their Shadow Squad close to his London home.

“Kevin played his first game for the Shadow Squad the other day and he played well, but he wasn’t happy because they lost!

“He is still adjusting to the English game, the physical side and the tempo is very different to what he’s used to, but he’s doing well and Southampton are looking forward to working with him and developing him.”

If Kevin continues to progress then Alvaro hopes that his brother will move down and live with him in Southampton when he turns 16, allowing him to join up at the Saints’ academy full time.