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Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng will be loaned out to Spain’s Real Madrid for free during the winter transfer window as part of the two clubs’ cooperation.

Evergrande president Xu Jiayin is in Madrid this week to meet Real president Florentino Perez Rodriguez. The Chinese Super League defending champion is said to have reached a “strategic cooperation” with the La Liga powerhouse. Though no details of the cooperation have been revealed, the two sides were said to be keen on player exchange.

Zhang was previously linked with English Premier League champion Chelsea. After his Blues dreams were dashed, due to ‘lack of time’ and some disagreements with Chelsea on the terms of his deal, Evergrande decided to loan him to Real for free when the winter transfer window opens in January.

Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News reported yesterday that Zhang had confirmed the loan deal.

“The loan will be arranged by the club. I just know that it’s already decided and there is lots of work left to be done. I believe the club will handle it well,” the 26-year-old right back said.

Under the cooperation deal with Real, Evergrande hopes it can send two to three players on loan to Madrid every year, while Real players can also move in the opposite direction.

Nicknamed “Zhangmos” by fans in a nod to Real defender Sergio Ramos, Zhang has been a key player on Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team, which currently tops the CSL table and is also chasing another AFC Champions League glory, following the club’s triumph the year before last.