REAL MADRID

Real Madrid’s policy of snapping up the best young talent on offer looks set to continue apace with the European champions reportedly eyeing up a move for Benfica forward Jota.

The 19-year-old has exploded onto the scene at the Estadio da Luz and was promoted to the first team earlier this month after some eye-catching displays for Benfica B, which also earned him a call up the Portugal under-21s, for who he has now won five caps. At under-19 level, Jota was the top scorer and named in the team of the tournament as Portugal won the 2018 European Championship and is being touted as a natural successor to Cristiano Ronaldo in the long-term.

Real Madrid made an offer of 18 million euros for the 19-year-old, AS understands, which was rejected out of hand by Benfica. Jota is under contract at the Portuguese giants until 2022 and has a minimum release clause of 30 million euros, which Benfica are attempting to raise to 120 million euros as part of an improved deal for the forward.

Jota and João Félix on Real Madrid's radar

Jota will be on display at the under-20 World Cup in Poland in May where Portugal and Spain are among the favourites for the title. Madrid are eager to wrap up a deal for the forward before he becomes a household name and are considering meeting the current clause of 30 million with a view to loaning Jota back to Benfica for the foreseeable future.

Madrid have also been credited with an interest in another Benfica player, 19-year-old attacking midfielder João Félix, who has been attracting scouts from across Europe after starring for the first team this season with seven goals and five assists in 14 league games.