Real Madrid working on deal for Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez

Real Madrid are working to sign highly-rated Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez.

The Athletic claims that the Spanish giants had already considered making a move during the winter transfer window.

Madrid are optimistic they can convince Martinez to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, although he has yet to make a final decision about his future.

Several other clubs are interested, leaving Madrid facing competition as the summer transfer window nears its close.

Martinez has a €3 million (£2.6m) release clause in his contract, making the financial side of a potential deal relatively straightforward.

The teenager would join Real Madrid Castilla, who compete in the third tier of Spanish football, rather than immediately becoming a permanent member of Jose Mourinho’s senior squad.

However, Martinez would also be given opportunities around the first team as Madrid look to accelerate his development and assess his readiness for senior football at the highest level.

The midfielder has progressed rapidly through Racing’s system after making his senior debut as a teenager and has increasingly attracted attention through his performances in central midfield.

Madrid’s pursuit also fits their long-standing recruitment strategy of identifying talented Spanish and international youngsters before their valuations rise considerably.

That approach has produced significant successes in recent years, with the club prepared to offer promising players a route through Castilla while gradually introducing them into the senior environment.

There could also eventually be an opportunity for Martinez in Mourinho’s midfield, particularly after Madrid’s opening league fixture against Espanyol highlighted the need for a different profile.

The Madrid manager wants another midfield option alongside an additional centre-back before the transfer window closes.

Martinez would represent more of a long-term investment than an immediate solution to those requirements, but Madrid clearly believe his potential makes him worth pursuing now.

The key decision ultimately rests with the teenager, who is considering his options despite Madrid’s confidence that they can persuade him to join.

With his modest release clause removing the need for prolonged negotiations, an agreement with Martinez could allow the move to progress quickly when he decides where he wants to continue his development.