Real Madrid defensive prospect Marvel has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Premier League giants Manchester United.
According to a report from Spanish publication Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are scouting Real Madrid youngster Marvel and wish to sign the 18-year-old defender from the Spanish capital club.
Marvel started at the Real Madrid youth setup in 2011 but left a year later and spent time with the academies of Atletico Madrid, Alcala and Rayo Vallecano before making his way back to La Fabrica in 2016. Since then, he has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks at Real Madrid’s academy, making very impressive progress.
Despite being just 18 years old, Marvel has broken into Real Madrid’s Castilla outfit this season and has become a regular fixture in Raul Gonzalez’s side. The teenage prodigy has also managed to get a look-in into the Spanish Under-19 outfit and has done well there too.
As per the report, Marvel is regarded as one of the best up and coming young defenders in his age group in Spain. Touted as the future of Real Madrid and Spain, the 18-year-old is known for his defensive acumen and imposing presence – he stands at over 6ft tall despite his young age and can grow further.
Tenía ganas de hablar sobre un canterano y es Marvel un centralazo Del Real Madrid Castilla tiene un futuro increíble con una salida de balón fabulosa y ni hablar de sus entradas y intercepciones de 10/10. Lo veo en un futuro en el Real Madrid para ser el tercer central. pic.twitter.com/P8HiuIh6BK
— madridista._ (@madrid_news__) October 24, 2021
Alerted by his potential and development, Manchester United have taken a liking to Marvel and have requested multiple scout reports on the young central defender, the report mentioned above claims. The Red Devils are known for securing and developing young talent and handing them opportunities at the first-team level.
Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood are some of the names in recent times that have enjoyed success after coming through the youth ranks at Manchester United. Then there are the likes of Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, among many others, who are ready to burst onto the big stages.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stewardship, there has been a significant focus on recruiting youth players with promise over the past couple of transfer windows. In fact, Manchester United raided Real Madrid for one of their young talents, Alvaro Fernandez, in 2020, with the left-back progressing very well with the Red Devils’ reserves.
They are now looking to repeat the trick with Marvel, but a move for the 18-year-old is unlikely to be straightforward as he is contracted with Real Madrid until the summer of 2025. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will act on their reported interest in the 18-year-old. For now, they are keeping tabs on the teenage defender.