Juni Calafat, the head scout at Real Madrid, is always on the lookout for young talent to sign for the club. He is one of the most trusted figures for Florentino Perez, with a strong track record behind him.
Calafat was one of the most important figures in the Merengues’ recruitment of Franco Mastantuono last summer and continues to scour the market for young jewels.
Salvdor Blopa on Real Madrid’s radar
As such, the Daily Mail in England (h/t Defensa Central) reports that Calafat and Real Madrid have shown an interest in acquiring the services of Portuguese talent Salvador Blopa, who plays for the Sporting CP reserves.
The 18-year-old player is part of Sporting CP’s academy, operates as a right back, and the Spanish giants are said to be tracking his performances in detail.
The interest in Blopa is linked to the possibility of strengthening the right side of the defence. After all, club captain Dani Carvajal is well into his thirties and has once again been dealing with fitness woes this season.
So, despite the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, Real Madrid will need to bring in someone to compete with the Englishman and fill the void once Carvajal sails into the sunset.
The Merengues have a talented young right-back within their ranks in Jesus Fortea, who has great expectations pinned on him.
At the same time, though, it appears that Los Blancos are also looking outside for possible replacements, with Blopa emerging as a candidate.
Just 18 years old, the Portuguese starlet has displayed immense versatility, proving himself capable of playing as a right-back or even higher up the pitch on the flanks, or even on the left wing.
So far, Blopa has made a solitary senior appearance for Sporting CP, in which he scored two goals. Meanwhile, he has a goal and two assists from 15 games for the B team.
Blopa’s contract with Sporting expires at the end of the season, making him an appealing prospect.
Manchester United leading the race
However, as per the report, Manchester United are currently leading the race to sign Blopa. The faltering Premier League giants have already taken a step forward to carry out the transfer of the 18-year-old prospect.
Real Madrid, though, prefer to stay patient and observe Blopa’s development. He is not considered a priority, so the club intends to remain calm.
The transfer would not be costly, and Real Madrid believe that the project at Manchester United would not be particularly appealing for young players.
Therefore, as per the report, they believe that if they eventually decide to pursue Blopa, they will be in a strong negotiating position.