La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid is still working hard to sign one of the most highly-regarded young players in world football.

The player in query? Mastantuono Franco.

Naturally, for a while earlier this year, the name of midfielder Mastantuono dominated the headlines in Madrid.

This is in addition to news from Argentina, the 16-year-old’s home country, confirming that Mastantuono was a top target for the powers that be at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The River Plate prodigy has been a subject of interest for a while for other European powerhouses, including Barcelona, who are fierce rivals of Los Blancos.

As mentioned previously, though, Real is clearly leading the race for Mastantuono if the most recent information from the Spanish media on Tuesday is any indication.

In fact, according to a report from Diario AS, the La Liga winners are actively negotiating to sign the Argentine:

“The operation has started.” It also looks excellent. The absence of sound indicates that everything is proceeding as planned.

Rumour has it that Real is attempting to seal a deal with River Plate for about €25 million.

Under any such arrangement, the midfield maestro would remain in his native nation for the ensuing year before moving to Madrid in 2025.