Real Madrid make approach for Brazilian defensive prodigy; Arsenal, Chelsea also keen | OneFootball

With just a few weeks left before the January transfer window opens, Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a new defender.

The club are desperate to fix the holes in the central defensive unit, where Carlo Ancelotti is having to rely on the services of midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Eder Militao is out with a long-term injury while David Alaba is yet to return to full fitness. Although young prodigy Raul Asencio has done well, the club do require more depth in the position.

Real Madrid eye move for Vitor Reis

A recent report from Goal Brazil suggests Real Madrid have approached South American defensive prodigy Vitor Reis through intermediaries.

Aged just 18, Reis is already being held as the next big thing coming out of the Palmeiras youth academy along with the likes of Endrick and Estevao.

Despite his tender age, Reis has featured in 18 competitive matches for Palmeiras, impressing onlookers with his maturity and command in the backline.

Next big thing in Brazilian football? (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s interest in Vitor Reis is not new as the club have been tracking the youngster’s development for a long time now.

And now could be a better time than anything to sign the young prodigy, as Real Madrid desperately look for reinforcements in the defensive department.

No shortage of interest

Palmeiras, however, are unlikely to sanction the exit of Vitor Reis anytime soon. Despite the economic opportunity, the Brazilian outfit are likely to keep hold of the defender for the time being and may not consider an exit until the summer.

Not to mention, there could be considerable competition from the Premier League clubs. After all, the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with moves for Reis as well.

In fact, as per the report, Arsenal, Chelsea and Inter Milan have approached the player’s intermediaries along with Real Madrid in search of initial information on the youngster. However, no proposal has been formalized so far.

Palmeiras, for their part, are unwilling to part ways with their teenage jewel as they believe he can still continue to grow and develop at the club.

With Los Blancos needing reinforcements at the back, it remains to be seen if the initial contacts for Vitor Reis materialises into something more substantial.