Real Madrid have identified one of the most promising players in English football as a 'potential candidate' to replace the out-of-favour Vinicius Jr, according to reports in Spain.
Since the arrival of Xabi Alonso this summer, Vinicius has played a bit-part role for Los Blancos as complications over the renewal of his contract continue to rumble in the background.
He was dropped for their La Liga clash against Real Oviedo at the end of last month.
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And on Tuesday night, the Brazilian was relegated to the bench as Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono were preferred in wide areas for their Champions League clash against Marseille.
"The benching in the Champions League shows that his role is no longer unmovable," read a report from Catalunya. "Xabi Alonso's meritocracy has put the Brazilian in front of a new reality. The internal competition threatens to fully reopen."
Amid talk around Vinicius' future, a report from Spanish publication Fichajes claims Madrid have a potential candidate to take his place in the team – Jeremy Monga.
The highly-rated forward, who plays for Championship side Leicester City, became the second-youngest player in Premier League history in April after featuring at the age of 15 years and 271 days.
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Monga would soon become Leicester's youngest ever starter in a Carabao Cup clash against Huddersfield.
Manchester City have recently been linked with the England U19 international, and now Madrid are keen on a move for Monga, according to the report.
"His ability to move in tight spaces and his fearlessness against experienced defenders have allowed him to excel at an age when many are barely finishing their youth development," it adds.
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A potential move for Monga has been described as a 'strategic investment' should they decide to part ways with Vinícius, with Madrid not ruling out listening to a 'significant offer' for the Brazil international.
Topics: Real Madrid, Transfers
Jack Kenmare