Real Madrid maintain interest in Valencia starlet Ferran Torres

Real Madrid are continuing to closely monitor the progress of Valencia's 17-year-old youth product Ferran Torres, who is a long-term target for Los Blancos.

The winger, who starred for Spain at the U-17 World Cup late last year, has made further strides in his development since returning from the tournament in India, earning a first-team debut for Valencia in a Copa del Rey tie with Real Zaragoza in November, before being handed his LaLiga bow against Eibar in December.

Real Madrid not fazed by Torres' imminent 25m-euro buy-out clause

Torres is to be given a senior contract and squad number by Los Che at the end of January, at which point his release clause is to rise from eight to 25 million euros.

This won't dissuade Real from their interest in Torres, but Los Merengues - who had considered snapping him up before his buy-out was increased - will remain mindful of his new asking price as they keep tabs on his displays after his official promotion to first-team status on 1 February.

However, given the figures that are being paid in the current market (Real have forked out 45m for Vinicius Junior, who is the same age as Torres), the fee is not seen as an obstacle were the Bernabéu outfit to move for the youngster in the future.