Real Madrid close to signing Spanish prodigy with €3 million release clause

Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez, according to MARCA. Martinez has a €3 million release clause, and the report says Madrid’s move is now advancing after watching him since January. His breakthrough came last season with 10 appearances in Spain’s second division, and he made his La Liga debut this past weekend against Villarreal, starting and scoring in his first top-flight match with a strike to the top corner. The initial plan is to register him with Real Madrid Castilla, though he could train with the first team.