Real Madrid open negotiations to sign 19-year-old Spanish midfield prodigy: Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks to snap up Elche ace Rodrigo Mendoza, who is set to turn 20 in March, in the January transfer window.

Mendoza, who joined Elche's academy in 2019, has emerged as one of the best talents in the La Liga 2 this season. He has started seven of his 15 appearances for his club, registering two goals and two assists, this term.

Hence, according to Relevo journalist Jorge C Picon, Real Madrid have identified Mendoza as a transfer target. They have initiated talks with Elche over a potential transfer, but the La Liga 2 side are ready to put up a fight.

Mendoza, who allegedly has a contract until June 2026 at Elche, is known for his playmaking ability and his awareness in and around the opposition's penalty area. He has made 42 total appearances for his club so far.

Luka Modric opines on recent Real Madrid loss

Earlier on Sunday (January 12), Real Madrid crashed to a humiliating 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final. Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo netted once each, while Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde each bagged a goal. Raphinha also scored twice.

After the end of the encounter, Luka Modric said (h/t Madrid Universal):

"It's a hard defeat. We have to be together, be a team and get out of this, as we did after the [4-0] La Liga defeat against them [at Santiago Bernabeu]. I hope we will react after this hard defeat because we didn't think we'd lose like this."

Sharing more thoughts on the defeat, the Real Madrid captain added:

"It's good that the [Copa del Rey] game is coming soon and we don't have much time to regret it. If you have to choose a final to lose, we prefer to lose this one. This is football, we are sorry for our fans and for us, we must continue and be united. There is a lot of season left and we want to give a lot of joy to our fans."

Heaping praise on Barcelona for their fine performance, Modric opined:

"We did not play a good game, Barcelona [were] better and we must congratulate them. We have to continue in our line because we have a good dynamic in La Liga. In football, there are defeats and victories, you can't always win. It's never nice to lose against this rival, but this is football. We have to congratulate Barcelona."

Los Blancos, who are second in the La Liga table, will next take on Celta Vigo in their Copa del Rey last-16 encounter this Thursday (January 16).