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21st Aug 2015

Could a teenager you’ve never even heard of be the key to Real’s David De Gea deal?

This kid looks pretty special...

JOE

Unless you’re a big fan of Real Madrid’s Castilla (youth) team, it’s unlikely you’ll have heard the name ‘Borja Mayoral’.

But in actual fact, the 18-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Spain – and he could prove the deciding factor in David de Gea’s proposed move from Manchester United.

Mayoral has been dubbed ‘the new Raul’ in the Madrid press following his impressive performances at youth level, and it’s well known that United are looking for more options in attack with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson the only strikers available to Louis van Gaal.

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ESPN’s Peter O’Rourke reports that, having been rebuffed in their attempts to bring Sergio Ramos to Old Trafford, the Red Devils will now consider a cash-plus-Mayoral deal for their goalkeeper.

Real Madrid have thus far failed to meet United’s valuation of the Spanish stopper but are expected to make at least one more offer to get their number one target to the Santiago Bernabeu before the transfer window slams shut.

Mayoral was called up to the first team squad by former manager Carlo Ancelotti last year but has yet to make his full debut.

Even though Van Gaal is said to be a fan of the youngster, we don’t think he’ll be assigned to penalty duties if he makes the switch to England…

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