Manchester United are interested in recruiting the services of Real Madrid centre-back Joan Martinez and are monitoring his situation, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS.
The 16-year-old was thrown into action for his unofficial debut by manager Carlo Ancelotti in the friendly 1-0 loss against AC Milan in the early hours of Thursday, coming on for the second-half.
The ‘incredible’ Martinez impressed, preventing a potential goal following an exceptional challenge on Alex Jimenez in the 84th minute.
It appears Man United have been monitoring the teenage sensation for a while, but they are not the only Premier League club keen on him, with Chelsea also interested.
Martinez only joined Madrid last year after nine years as a youth player for Levante, snubbing the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal in the process.
Man United love what they have seen from the kid but they have a slim chance of luring him away from the Santiago Bernabeu club as he dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol and former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
The Red Devils want to strengthen their defensive ranks this summer, especially after Leny Yoro got ruled out for three months, but a move for Martinez is not thought to be on the cards this year.
The Spain youth international will not be in a rush to start playing regular first-team football, but he has started knocking on the door and Man United could be looking to use the promise of senior football to tempt him if he does not get the chance at Madrid.
The manager of the Red Devils Erik ten Hag has never hesitated to hand teenagers a chance if they are good enough, and Martinez could emerge as a serious option in the near future if he keeps impressing and the opportunity presents itself.
