Manchester United are keeping a close eye on 16-year-old defender Joan Martínez, who has been labelled as a Sergio Ramos 2.0.
That’s according to AS, who say the Real Madrid U19 defender is very much on Manchester United’s list of players to keep an eye on.
The youngster has recently made an appearance for Real Madrid in their pre-season clash with AC Milan, 20 days before turning 17.
His appearance was the ‘most magical gift he could imagine’, handing him a debut for the team he’s long loved. Indeed, he models his game on Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos.
His progression has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Valencia and Sevilla all having already knocked on his door and been told he’s not interested.
There is interest outside of Spain too and Manchester United are one of the sides to ‘have already moved’ to show an interest in him. His name has been written down ‘in capital letters’.
Real Madrid aren’t concerned as they know the youngster is focused on them and dreams of forging a path to the first team and stardom with the club like his idol Sergio Ramos.
Manchester United would also have to work around the new Brexit rules that prevent them from signing players until they are 18 years old and require a work permit being granted based on a points system.
The interest is there, though, and they’ve already moved to show that interest too, making Martínez a name to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
