Real Madrid on the cusp of signing 18-year-old prodigy from La Liga club: Reports 

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Lamini Fati from fellow LaLiga outfit CD Leganes, as per reports from Relevo. The 15-time European champions are set to sign the defensive prodigy as part of their recruitment plan for the future.

Los Blancos have been plagued with injury problems in defence but the club has been reluctant to sign any defenders. They lost Eder Militao and Joan Martinez to ACL injuries this season and recently-promoted youngster Jacobo Ramon has been plagued with muscular problems this term.

Veteran David Alaba has also not featured for the side this season, having been out with knee injuries since the 2023-24 season.

Relevo reports that Real Madrid are nearing an agreement with Leganes for the transfer of Lamini Fati, who has been in excellent form for their B team in the Spanish fifth division. The left-footed centre-back will join for an initial €100,000 fee and team up with Alvaro Arbeloa's Juvenil A U-19 team.

Born to an Angolan mother and a Bissau-Guinean father, the 18-year-old defender was on the radar of Valencia in the summer but decided to remain on the books of Leganes. He will join Real Madrid with a view to making the step up to the Castilla team managed by Raul Gonzalez, and potentially playing under Carlo Ancelotti.

The opportunities given to the likes of Joan Martinez, Jacobo Ramon, and Raul Asencio this season will have encouraged Fati in his decision to move to Los Blancos. With an agreement imminent, the youngster will likely join the club once the January transfer window is opened.

Real Madrid name star forward in squad for Intercontinental Cup final

Real Madrid have included star forward Kylian Mbappe as part of their traveling party for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. The French forward has been named in the squad despite suffering an injury in the UEFA Champions League win over Atalanta last week.

Los Blancos will face Mexican outfit Pachuca in the final of the Intercontinental Cup at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Pachuca reached the final after securing a penalty shootout win over Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in the semi-final while Los Blancos drew a bye to reach the final.

The competition brings together the winners of continental tournaments and winning the UEFA Champions League final last season ensured Real Madrid's qualification. Mbappe could return for the game against the Mexican club on Wednesday, having missed his side's 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday (December 14).