Real Madrid scouts monitor Brazil U20 defender Robert Renan | OneFootball

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian market for young talent and have reportedly turned their attention to 19-year-old Brazilian defender Robert Renan.

The report comes from Mundo Deportivo via Brazilian news outlet UOL, who claim that the Spanish club have been following the player for a year now.

Madrid have watched the player at Corinthians, and will now follow his progress at Zenit Saint Petersburg, the club that signed the young centre-back in January.

He has signed a contract until 2028, but has not yet made his debut due to the South American U20 Championship. The player went to Zenit, although Atalanta and Watford also showed interest in securing his services.

Renan usually plays as a left-sided centre-back and has been one of the best centre-backs at the South American U20 Championship with Brazil.

He can also play at left-back, a position that has caused Carlo Ancelotti headaches this season, especially with the injury to Ferland Mendy, forcing the Italian to use Eduardo Camavinga in the position.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN