Real Madrid risk missing out on defensive target as Premier League club push for January move | OneFootball

Vitor Reis is one among a number of centre-backs Real Madrid are looking at to reinforce the defensive department before next season.

The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy has established himself as a regular in the lineup at Palmeiras, and has attracted a lot of interest from top clubs in Europe, with Real Madrid being one of his admirers.

However, Real Madrid are now staring at the possibility of missing out on the young prospect as an English club makes a strong push for his signing.

Brighton trying to sign Vitor Reis

Indeed, according to The Athletic, Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion are pushing to finalise a transfer for Vitor Reis in the ongoing winter transfer window.

The Seagulls, who have become known for their excellent recruitment strategy, are eager to beef up their options in central defence amid concerns about the age and fitness of veterans Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster.

Vitor Reis (R) is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

As such, Reis has emerged as a target for Brighton with talks already underway with Palmeiras over a possible deal this month.

The report suggests that the Brazilian club value their teenage prodigy at around £25 million (€30.1 million) and Brighton’s offers thus far have fallen short of that figure.

Furthermore, Palmeiras are not keen on losing Reis at this point as they wish to keep him at the club until the summer and have him play for them at the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

But Brighton appear strongly motivated to sign the 18-year-old this month and negotiations are continuing between the two clubs.

In case, Real Madrid miss out on Reis, they have plenty of alternatives lined up such as Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig and Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth, who is likely to cost around £49 million.