Barcelona sign young midfielder Robert Goncalves from Fluminense

Robert (background) will play with Barca's B team until the end of the season

European champions Barcelona have announced the loan signing of 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Robert Goncalves from Fluminense.

Goncalves will play with Barca's B team in the Spanish third tier for the rest of the season.

"FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Brazilian club Fluminense for the loan signing of Robert Goncalves until the end of the season," the club said in a statement on their website.

"The player has passed his medical and he is expected to begin training with the rest of Gerard Lopez's squad from this Thursday."

Barca B are in danger of being relegated for the second consecutive season after just four wins from their opening 18 league games this season.

Barca's one-year ban against registering new players comes to an end when the transfer window opens in January.