Real Madrid are set to send new striker Vinicius Jr straight to the reserve team, despite the likelihood of not signing a new forward this summer.
And despite the fact Vinicius has arrived from Brazil to much fanfare this summer, the forward is not guaranteed games in the first team.
That is according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the 18-year-old will have to cut his teeth in the reveres at Castilla before gaining a call-up to the first team.
Lopetegui will reportedly send Vinicius to Castilla and decided week on week wether or not the Brazilian is ready for first-team football at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid transfer news (Image: GETTY)
Willian offered to Real Madrid
Chelsea have offered Real Madrid the chance to sign Brazil international Willian, reports in Spain suggest.
Real Madrid have just seven days until the transfer window closes and they haven’t signed a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left to join Juventus.
Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea rejected three bids from Barcelona for Willian with the in excess of £55million.
But Spanish radio station Onda Cero claim the Premier League club have changed their stance.
It’s reported that Chelsea offered the playmaker, 30, to Real Madrid only for the European champions to reject the proposal.
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Real Madrid transfer news LIVE: Odds have been slashed on Willian quitting Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
Kovacic hits out
Mateo Kovacic says he’s happy to be at Chelsea under a manager who wants him.
The Real Madrid midfielder struggled to get game time at the Bernabeu following his move to Spain in 2016 - adding he's delighted to play under Maurizio Sarri.
Kovacic said to sports channel Sport Klub: “It was important that after three years of inconsistency in playing time in Madrid I’ve got into a team that wants me and a coach who wants and trusts me.
“That’s how Chelsea happened. That’s what I really need now and I want to keep it that way. He’s known me for a long time and that’s what matters in my opinion.
“The squad is phenomenal with many great players - that is why is wasn't so hard to adapt quickly.”
Real Madrid transfer news (Image: GETTY)
Willian odds cut
Real Madrid are now more likely to sign Willian from Chelsea, according to the bookies.
And Coral have now cut the odds on a move before the transfer window slams shut from 8/1 to 2/1.
“Barcelona failed in their attempt to sign Willian earlier in the summer transfer window, however, the latest betting activity suggests the Brazilian could be set for a move to Spain after all to join Real Madrid before the end of this month,” said Coral’s John Hill.
“We have been knocked over with interest in our betting this morning and a result the Chelsea’s winger's odds have been slashed to join the Spanish giants.”
Real Madrid transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo says it was an easy decision to leave (Image: GETTY)
Real Madrid reach agreement with Aspas
Real Madrid have struck an agreement to sign Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, reports claim.
And El Chiringuito de Jugones claim Real Madrid have an agreement in place to sign Aspas should they fail to bring Valencia’s Rodrigo to the Bernabeu.
It’s said Aspas, 31, has agreed terms but negotiations with Celta Vigo will still need to take place.
Rodrigo, who was part of the squad Lopetegui named for the World Cup before being sacked, scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances for Valencia last season.
But Valencia president Anil Murthy says Real Madrid will have to trigger his €120million (£107m) release clause.
Real Madrid transfer news: Mateo Kovacic says he’s happy to be at Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
City want Navas
Manchester City are weighing up an emergency loan deal for Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas as cover for Claudio Bravo, reports claim.
Bravo picked up an Achilles injury in training on Monday, leaving 20-year-old Daniel Grimshaw as Manchester City's only back-up option to first-choice Ederson.
And according to Spanish paper AS, City are considering making a proposal to Madrid for Navas.
AS claim Guardiola is keen on Navas, although the player has previously suggested he wants to stay at the Bernabeu.