Real Madrid youngster Alex Jimenez is on the verge of completing a move to Italian giants AC Milan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old made just seven appearances for the Castilla side, but has a long-term contract which runs until 2027.
The right-back is set to be one of a number of departures from Real Madrid’s academy this summer, and his deal at Milan will initially be a loan with an option to buy.
Romano has confirmed that a deal is close for the highly-rated full-back, in what could be a future blow for Real Madrid.
What is Real Madrid’s future at right-back?
It remains to be seen how long 31-year-old Dani Carvajal has left as Real Madrid’s first-choice right-back, and the likes of Alvaro Odriozola and Achraf Hakimi have come and gone as potential successors to the Spaniard.
Real have top young prospects in Fran Garcia, and even have a clause which could see them bring back Miguel Gutierrez at left-back, but there are less options on the other side, and a sale abroad of Jimenez is a somewhat surprising move at this moment in time.
Los Blancos could dip into the market, with teenage sensation Ivan Fresneda seemingly available this summer, but the club do not consider the position a priority right now, with Carvajal, Nacho, Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez all capable of playing in the role.
Jimenez will leave Castilla alongside other top prospects including Rafa Marin and Sergio Arribas, but Real Madrid are insisting on buy-back clauses and deals within La Liga for their other starlets.
The deal with Milan indicates that Real Madrid do not see Jimenez as a potential option for the future, but they may watch his development at the San Siro with a lot of interest.