REAL MADRID

Bombay 21:07h CEST

Ferrán Torres and Alan Souza have passed their exams in India with flying colours and continue to justify Real Madrid’s interest in them.

Spain and Brazil youngsters impress in India

The Valencia winger was a stand-out player for Spain as the youngsters beat Iran to progress to the semi-final of the Under-17 World Cup, where a match against Mali awaits. He scored in the 3-1 victory in the quarter-final and contributed some dazzling football on the right wing.

Alan, meanwhile, played a decisive role as Brazil completed a comeback against Germany to remain in the competition. With 20 minutes remaining in their quarter-final, La Canarinha were staring defeat in the face. Alan provided an assist for the equaliser, and was involved in the winning goal.

Full screen Real Madrid targets Ferrán Torres and Alan shine at Under-17 World Cup DIBYANGSHU SARKAR (AFP)

Alan’s transfer to Real Madrid has been verbally agreed. If the move goes according to plan, the 17-year-old will join Castilla from Palmeiras in the summer of 2018. He is under contract with the Brazilian club until 2020 and has a buy-out clause of €50 million, although Real Madrid are understood to be paying significantly below that figure. In the absence of Vinicius Junior, whom Los Blancos have already added to their ranks, Alan has established himself as Brazil’s key man.

Real Madrid have decision to make on Ferrán Torres

Ferrán Torres’ situation is different. The Valencia youngster has a buy-out clause of €8 million, but it will rise to €25 million on 1 January 2018. On that date he will gain a squad number with the first team, and that will precipitate the extension of his contract to 2020 (it currently expires in 2019), and the increase of his buy-out clause.

Full screen Real Madrid targets Ferrán Torres and Alan shine at Under-17 World Cup Prakash Elamakkara (EFE)

The 17-year-old’s name has been swilling around the corridors at Real Madrid for several years, and he has visited the club’s Valdebebas training ground twice. Madrid must decide whether to pursue Torres for €8 million before his clause increases, or wait to see how he adapts to life with Marcelino’s first team.

Real Madrid will keep a keen eye on proceedings in India, with both targets due to start in their respective semi-final matches in India. Eye-catching performances could set the wheels in motion.