Man Utd and Chelsea set for transfer battle over Real Madrid wonderkid

Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping an eye on Real Madrid wonderkid Joan Martinez.

The 16-year-old is already forging a stellar reputation despite Los Blanco's cast of stellar galacticos and young talent from around the globe arriving at the Bernabeu. Martinez himself only arrived into Real's academy around 12 months ago having started his youth career with Levante.

While Carlo Ancelotti has seen Kylian Mbappe added to his group of stars, and Brazilian 18-year-old Endrick has now completed his move, there is little reason to make extra room in defence. The Italian manager has clearly been impressed with Martinez and has already included him in the club's tour of the United States.

The young defender made his debut for the club against AC Milan and performed well after heading on the pitch after half time, with Spanish outlet AS suggesting the Premier League giants are already firmly aware of his talents.

Real Madrid are said to be unconcerned by such interest, though, and it appears Ancelotti sees a future for the youngster in the Spanish capital. In fact, the former Bayern Munich and AC Milan boss believes the talented teenager is capable of reaching the very top.

“It’s time for the younger players to enjoy themselves," he said. "Joan Martínez has potential, he’s young, but he has potential. He has everything a Madrid centre-back needs."

Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez has been similarly impressed. “I wasn’t where he is when I was 16," said the winger, as quoted by Relevo.

"He’s an incredible kid and he played a very good game against Milan. He’s a centre back with a brutal level of potential and we’re all going to try to help him so he continues to develop.”

It would be in keeping with Chelsea and Manchester United's strategy to target a young star with potential. The Blues have already sealed agreements for the likes of Kendry Paez and Willian Estevao from South America before the players can officially join them at the age of 18.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already made it clear that he would rather attempt to unearth the next gem than pay astronomical sums for blockbuster names.

 

"I would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success. It's not that clever is it buying Mbappe, anyone can figure that one out," Ratcliffe told The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast in March.