Real Madrid signs central defender Jesus Vallejo from 2nd-division Real

Real Madrid have stolen a march on their rivals by signing wonderkid Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza.

Vallejo has been linked with a move this summer to a plethora of clubs including Barcelona, Villarreal and Valencia as well as Serie A side Udinese.

AS say it will be wrapped up this week after negotiations between Madrid President Florentino Perez and Zaragoza counterpart Cesar Alierta.

Instead, he will spend the coming season on loan at Zaragoza in the second tier.

Vallejo will link up with Rafa Benitez’s squad in 12 months’ time, allowing Zaragoza to benefit from his quality while offering up first-team football he would not receive at Real Madrid.

Vallejo captained the Spain Under-19 team at their triumphant UEFA European Under-19 Championship campaign in Greece earlier this summer.

It is understood Real paid over £4.2m for the player’s signature while Spanish media are also reporting that Zaragoza and Spain Under-16 goalkeeper Dario Ramos was part of the agreement too.