Rio de Janeiro : Italian football club Napoli have ended weeks of speculation by signing highly-rated Brazilian teenager Leandrinho from Ponte Preta.

The Serie A club reportedly beat off interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City to bag the 18-year-old striker, reports Xinhua news agency.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the move with a brief welcome message on Twitter.

Leandrinho has represented Brazil 16 times at the U-17 level, scoring 11 goals.

Napoli are currently third in Italy's Serie A standings, seven points behind leaders Juventus at the halfway point of the season.-Agency