2 Premier League clubs set to battle for 21-year-old Real Madrid defender: Reports
Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio. This is according to a report from fichajes.net, who claim that the central defender may look for a move away amid difficulty for minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu (via The Hard Tackle).
It is claimed that the Magpies and the Villans are looking for depth in this area of the pitch. Eddie Howe, in particular, maybe in immediate need of a new centre-half following an injury to Sven Botman.
The former Spain under-19 international is only 21 years old and could be a good long-term option for either of these sides. Moreover, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao still in Madrid, it is unlikely that Asencio will become a starter under Carlo Ancelotti in the near future.
As a result, he may decide to move to the Premier League, particularly to a club like Aston Villa, who are currently sixth in the English top-flight standings. With the injury woes currently plaguing Real Madrid in this centre-back department, Asencio has made seven senior appearances across competitions this campaign.
Moreover, it could be the right time for Los Blancos to move their youngster on, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026. If they sold him either in January or during the 2025 summer, the club would be able to secure a reasonable transfer sum.
Real Madrid are also said to be looking at other options in the defensive department, which could push Asencio to move on.
Real Madrid and PSG target Lisandro Martinez set to remain with Manchester United- Reports
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit of Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. This is according to a report from CaughtOffSide, who say that the Argentina international is not thinking about a move from Old Trafford (via The Hard Tackle).
Moreover, it is believed that new Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim views the former Ajax centre-back as an important component of his team. So far this season, Martinez has featured in 21 matches across competitions for Manchester United, bagging one assist in the process.
Overall, the 26-year-old has made 80 appearances across competitions for the Red Devils since joining the side in the summer of 22 for a fee of €57.37 million. He's currently contracted at Old Trafford till the summer of 2027.