Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Fiorentina over the transfer of highly rated academy defender Victor Valdepenas, according to reports.
The Spanish giants have generated significant income from academy departures in recent years, with several of their young talents attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Valdepenas had been expected to remain at the club for pre-season after head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly requested a closer look at the defender before making a final decision on his future.
However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Real Madrid have now changed course and are on the verge of sanctioning the youngster’s move to Serie A.
The two clubs are understood to have reached a verbal agreement, with only the final details left to be resolved before the transfer can be completed.
Real Madrid are also pushing to retain 50 per cent of Valdepenas’ future rights as part of the deal, a strategy the club has frequently adopted when allowing promising academy players to leave.
Mourinho to make final decision
Despite the agreement between the clubs, one important issue still needs to be settled.
Real Madrid must decide whether Valdepenas will join Fiorentina immediately or remain in Spain for the opening weeks of pre-season so Mourinho and his coaching staff can assess him at close quarters.
The Portuguese manager is believed to have originally wanted the defender to stay with the squad before any final decision was taken on his future.
If the club opts against delaying the move, Valdepenas could complete his switch to Fiorentina in the coming days.
The final decision is expected to rest with Mourinho, with the player’s performances in training likely to determine whether the transfer is completed immediately or postponed until later in the summer.