Real Madrid enquire about Ecuadorian starlet Campana
With Castilla boss Raúl keen to add a forward to his squad, Real Madrid are considering signing Leonardo Campana, who has a host of suitors.
19-year-old Leonardo Campana, one of the world's most exciting young prospects, is amassing quite a list of suitors. The Barcelona de Guayaquil forward was called up to Ecuador's squad for this year's South American Under-20 Championship, where he was top scorer with six goals as his side won the tournament - a feat that attracted the attention of a host of European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Raúl keen to add forward to Real Madrid Castilla squad
Serie A outfit Napoli were recently reported to have offered five million euros for Campana, who also helped the Ecuadorians to a third-place finish at the Under-20 World Cup in June. However, while it has been confirmed that talks took place, sources told the news agency EFE that claims of a bid being tabled were "half truths", and that "there is interest, but money has not been talked about".
AS has learned that conversations have additionally been held with Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan, and that Real Madrid have enquired about the teenager, with a view to adding him to the ranks of their 'B'-team, Real Madrid Castilla. Club legend Raúl González Blanco, who is now coach of Castilla, has asked Los Blancos to strengthen the forward options in his squad.
Campana already an EU-passport holder
Campana is under contract with Barcelona de Guayaquil until December. As he is a Spanish-passport holder, he would offer the advantage of not filling up one of the limited spots available for non-EU citizens in the Castilla squad. His signing would be expected to cost between four and five million euros, although Madrid would not necessarily have to buy him outright immediately, and are also weighing up the possibility of a loan deal with a purchase option.