Real looking to swoop for Japanese prospect from under the noses of Barca
Spanish publication 'Sport' claims that Zinedine Zidane's side are looking to seal a deal for a player who was forced to leave La Masia in 2015 due to FIFA sanctions.
The report states that 'Los Blanos' are hoping to beat their bitter rivals to the signing of Takefusa Kubo. Perhaps that name doesn't mean much to you, but the midfielder enjoyed a spell at Barcelona's famous La Masia academy earlier in his career.
Kubo was forced to return to Japan, his country of bith, in 2015 after Barca were found guilty of having violating FIFA's international transfer policy for U18s.
The youngster became the youngest player to ever play in the J.3 League this year, playing for Tokyo FC at the tender age of just 15 years, 5 months and one day.
It is believed that Barca may have included a buy-back clause when the youngster left the club and Barca fans will be hoping that is true with 'Sport' claiming that Real are currently best placed to make a move for the player.