Real Madrid linked with shock move for English striker playing in League One

Real Madrid are plotting a shock move for a League One wonderkid, who only made his debut this season.

Los Blancos have enjoyed a successful return on their latest investment from England in Jude Bellingham, with the former Birmingham City star netting 12 goals and adding a further two assists across his opening 14 La Liga appearances in white.

Despite the 20-year-old midfielder currently topping the goalscorer charts in the top flight of Spanish football, Carlo Ancelotti's side have a two-point deficit behind Girona to overturn after the surprise league leaders' stunning start to 2023/24.

Due to the competition they face across multiple tournaments, Madrid will reportedly aim to continue strengthening their squad in the coming transfer windows as they join the race to secure the signing of an 18-year-old League One star.

According to The Sun, Reading wonderkid Caylan Vickers could possibly make the switch from the Select Car Leasing Stadium to the Bernabeu in January, as the European giants eye a move for the player.

The attacking midfielder has made 19 appearances across all competitions for the Royals, scoring four goals and adding as many assists.

However, they will likely face competition to secure the signature of Vickers, who is also being closely monitored by Mikel Arteta's recruitment team at Arsenal.

Norwich City, Celtic and Leicester City are also said to hold an interest in the player, with all three likely to offer a greater chance of first-team action if Vickers opted for them over both Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Reading, who are currently experiencing financial difficulties, are reportedly willing to part ways with the player for around £1 million, as they look to include a sell-on clause in any potential deal they agree on.

If Real do secure the signing, Vickers will link-up with the reserve squad, who are currently managed by Los Blancos legend Raul, as they look to incorporate him into the first-team setup slowly in the future.