Unless you frequent Real Madrid Castilla games, you’re unlikely to have ever heard of Borja Mayoral.
The 18-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Spain and he may be the deciding factor in whether Manchester United decide to allow David de Gea join Real Madrid this summer.
Mayoral has been dubbed “the new Raul” in the Madrid press for his impressive performances for club and country at underage level and United are looking for more strike options with only Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson at Louis van Gaal’s disposal up front.
ESPN’s Peter O’Rourke reports that, having been rebuffed in their attempts to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford as part of the David de Gea transfer, the Red Devils will consider a cash plus Mayoral deal for their goalkeeper.
Real Madrid have failed to meet United’s €45 million valuation of the Spanish stopper but are expected to make at least one more offer to get their number one target to the Bernabeu before the transfer window slams shut.
Borja Mayoral scored 54 goals for the U19s last season.
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) August 4, 2015
Mayoral was called up to the first team squad by former manager Carlo Ancelotti last year but has yet to make his full debut and Louis van Gaal is believed to be a huge fan of the teenager.
We don’t think he’ll be putting him on penalty duty though.
