Searches are continuing this weekend for the brother of an Irish soccer star who has been reported missing in southern Spain.

The 37-year-old, a father of two, has been living in Marbella on the Costa del Sol for a number of years.

Concerns were first raised on Wednesday when his girlfriend contacted local police, and his extended family in Dublin were subsequently informed.

The man is originally from Dublin’s north inner city but relocated to Spain several years ago.

There was some confusion on Friday when concerns for his welfare were initially linked to a murder that took place outside a police station in Barcelona on Wednesday morning, during which a man was shot.

However, gardaí do not believe the missing man is connected to that incident, as it took place more than 1,000km from his Marbella home.

A spokesman for the local police in Barcelona said the investigation into the murder is ongoing, and that a magistrate has directed officers not to disclose further details.

Gardaí are now working with Spanish authorities to try to establish the missing man’s whereabouts.