Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of Real Zaragoza defender and Spain Under-19 captain Jesús Vallejo. Onda Cero radio claim that that the operation has been concluded although sources close to the player have told AS that an agreement is close and could be closed this week.
Negociations for the 19-year-old central defender have been conducted by Florentino Pérez and César Alierta, President of telecommunications operator, Telefónica - sponsors of ‘Fundación Zaragoza 2032’, and majority shareholders at Zaragoza.
Madrid will pay the Maños six million euros, Vallejo’s buy-out fee (a fee which rose last season from 1.5M to 4.5M and then 6M on 30 June this year). Los Blancos will loan Vallejo out for one or two seasons allowing Zaragoza to gain an increment in their salary limit for the new season.
Jesús Vallejo is one of the most promising centre-backs in Spanish football; he was recently crowned a European champion with Spain’s Under-19s and has attracted attention from clubs such as Udinese, Barcelona, Valencia and Villarreal.
The player is currently still on holidays but due back in work on Monday. Last season he was a key figure in Ranko Popovic’s side who are aiming to return to Spain’s Division of Honour.