Real Madrid transfer news has largely revolved around the club's promising young talents, and Victor Valdepenas has emerged as the latest academy player attracting strong interest from abroad.
While several Castilla and academy players are expected to move on this summer, the highly-rated defender finds himself in a different situation.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio , new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho wants to personally assess Valdepenas during pre-season before deciding whether the defender should remain at the Santiago Bernabeu or leave in search of regular first-team football.
The decision means that, despite growing interest from Italy , Real Madrid are not prepared to make an immediate call on Victor Valdepenas' future, with Mourinho keen to evaluate one of the club's most promising defensive prospects.
The 19-year-old defender faces stiff competition for a place in the senior squad, making his immediate pathway to regular first-team football far from straightforward.
Mourinho wants to assess Victor Valdepenas. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Even so, Real Madrid believe the youngster deserves further evaluation before any transfer decision is taken.
Unlike Fran Gonzalez and David Jimenez, who are both expected to leave during the Real Madrid summer transfer window, Valdepenas has not been placed on the list of players expected to depart.
Instead, Mourinho wants to watch the academy graduate closely throughout pre-season.
His performances in training and friendly matches will play a major role in determining whether he becomes part of the first-team plans or is allowed to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The uncertainty surrounding Victor Valdepenas' future at Real Madrid has alerted several European clubs, particularly in Serie A.
Victor Valdepenas is wanted by Bologna and Fiorentina. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
As reported before, Bologna are among the clubs keeping a close watch on the defender, having identified him as a potential signing for the future.
However, it is Fiorentina who have moved into the strongest position in the race for the Spanish youngster.
Despite leading the chase, the Italian club cannot move forward unless Real Madrid decide to let Victor Valdepenas leave.
Mourinho's desire to evaluate the defender first has effectively placed any negotiations on hold.
As a result, both Fiorentina and Bologna are expected to wait for Madrid's final verdict before stepping up their interest in the highly-rated centre-back.
