Liverpool beat Real Madrid in race to sign Fabio Carvalho

Real Madrid missed out in the race to capture Fabio Carvalho, one of the most promising players in world football who caught the attention of many of Europe's top clubs. Fulham's 19-year-old wonderkid, who played at youth level for England before being called by his native Portugal to play for the Under-21s, is set to join Liverpool this summer. The teenager will finally sign a contract with the Reds - a deal which was finalised during the January transfer window but failed to go through on time.

The agreement was reached after the deadline had passed. Carvalho had even passed a medical with the Reds, with whom he remains totally committed to join. The Portuguese player is a classic No.10, has scored eight goals and given six assists and is a first choice for Marco Silva  in spite of his age. He will sign for Liverpool on a free transfer, saving the club six million euros - that is the difference between the eight million plus bonuses which they had initially agreed with Fulham and the two million in formation rights.

England or Portugal

Carvalho has had such an impact in England that the national team hoped he would one day represent the country at full international level. He was born in Torres Vedras, northern Lisbon but his family moved to London when he was a boy. He has represented England at various youth levels up to Under-18 but was called up by Portugal this month to play for the Under-21s.

He doesn't have a British passport which is why he was unable to be called up for duty with England's Under-21s, in line with FIFA's regulations. On realising that, Portugal were quick to offer him a chance to carve out his international career with them and the player accepted. Had he not received that phonecall, sooner or later he would have secured his British passport and the FA would have got their wish. While he is playing for Portugal's Under-21s there is still a chance that he could switch allegiances again but that will be impossible once he gets his first senior cap.

Carvalho will undoubtedly flourish under Jürgen Klopp, one of his biggest fans. And a couple of thousand kilometres away, Real Madrid, who have had the player in their sights for some time, will be watching him develop. And may well one day regret letting him escape from their grasp.