Real Madrid lead Arsenal in talks to sign English wonderkid

Real Madrid have been very active in recent years when it comes to identifying and signing young talents from all over the world. They have one of the most impressive records in this regard as well, having brought in the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and more as teenagers. The decision to agree a deal to sign Endrick looks like a masterstroke already as well.

Real Madrid are expected to continue with their transfer policy as it has worked out for them quite well so far. And it looks like they have an English wonderkid in their sights next.

It is not often that Real Madrid sign a player from the English third tier. But, a Reading wonderkid seems to have caught their eye and that of many other clubs.

As reported by The Sun, Real Madrid have moved ahead of Arsenal after opening talks with Reading about a January move for Caylan Vickers. Reading want a £1 million transfer fee plus a sell-on clause. Leicester City, Norwich City and Celtic have also sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old player.

Real Madrid lead Arsenal in talks to sign English wonderkid

Vickers has played a decent bit of football for Reading lately. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has made 18 appearances for the club, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists as well.

The success of Bellingham and Real Madrid's recent record of developing youngsters into regular starters should give someone like Vickers the confidence to make a switch to the Spanish capital. Now, it remains to be seen how things play out over the coming weeks, with the January window less than a month away.

If Real Madrid did manage to sign Vickers, then one would expect him to put in the Castilla team until he is ready to move up to the senior team. They are currently managed by Raul and play in the Spanish third tier.