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REAL MADRID

Jovic: Real Madrid watch striker as João Félix steals show

Luka Jovic impressed Real Madrid's scouts in Eintracht Frankfurt's defeat to Benfica - a game that saw teenager Joao Félix score a hat-trick.

Update:
Luka Jovic.
Getty Images

Real Madrid are keen to bring in cover for centre-forward Karim Benzema, who will be 32 later this year and will need to be rested with increasing regularity.

Jovic impresses Madrid as club look for Benzema back-up

As part of this plan, the LaLiga club sent scouts to watch Luka Jovic in Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League defeat to Benfica on Thursday. The striker is actually owned by the Portuguese club, but in 2017 was sent out on loan to Eintracht, who have a 12m-euro purchase option that they will take up at the end of the season, either to keep the 21-year-old or sell him straight on.

Madrid wanted to assess up close Jovic's ability to deliver in big games and the Serbian did not disappoint, scoring one of Eintracht's two goals at the Estádio da Luz to take his overall tally this term to 25 in 37 appearances (plus six assists).

Jovic: Real Madrid watch striker as João Félix steals show
Jovic

Madrid scouts wowed by Félix, but bid not in club's plans

Los Blancos' scouts also could not fail to be impressed by Benfica starlet Joao Félix, 19, as the forward netted three and set up another in a stunning display that added to his burgeoning status as Portuguese football's most exciting young talent.

However, although Félix is highly rated at Madrid, the 13-time European champions - who intermediaries have previously offered the chance to sign the player - are not planning to try to take him to the Bernabéu as things stand.

Barcelona had been chasing Jovic

Madrid's arch rivals Barcelona had also been tracking Jovic as they seek a long-term successor to Luis Suárez, but are understood to have ended their interest.