Incoming Real Madrid signings prefer Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid have reportedly beaten Barcelona to the signings of Atletico Madrid starlet Theo Hernandez and Flamengo wunderkind Vinicius de Oliveira Junior. However, the pair may receive a frosty reception from Cristiano Ronaldo after footage emerged of both players admitting they prefer Lionel Messi to CR7.

Theo, 19, was linked with a move to the Nou Camp last summer as Luis Enrique was seeking a replacement for Adriano.

Barcelona eventually signed Lucas Digne from Paris Saint-Germain to cover the position, but reports in recent weeks claimed the Catalans had reopened their interest. Last month Marca reported Real Madrid were prepared to meet his €24m (£20.5m, $25.4m) release clause and lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The case of 16-year-old Vinicius is similar. In January 2017 Sport revealed Barcelona had contacted the player's entourage to bring him to the Nou Camp once he turns 18.

However, earlier this it emerged Real Madrid were ready to pip Barcelona to both signings.

On Monday numerous reports in Spain claimed Theo had undergone a medical with Real Madrid ahead of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, which is expected to see him earn €35m over five seasons.

Globoesporte reported that Vinicius had also decided to snub Barcelona to move to Real Madrid after Los Blanco offered €45m to Flamengo for his services ahead of bringing him to the club in the summer of 2018 – agreeing to pay also an extra €8m in commissions plus €8m in wages to the footballer.

However, videos unearthed by Marca reveal that both players have more affection for Messi than his Portuguese rival.

In 2009 Theo had no doubts when asked about his idols.

"[Diego] Forlan, [I am a left-back] but Forlan is the player who I like the most from Atletico," Theo sai, but when asked about his favourite player from another club he added: "Messi"

Meanwhile, Vinicius was even more open about his preferences for Barcelona in a recent interview.

"[Neymar] is my idol and I admire him a lot," the current Flamengo player said. "I watch a lot of his videos and I try to the same things that he does, and to even do them a little better."

Pressed on who was better out of Ronaldo and his Barcelona nemesis, he added: "Messi, Messi."

Finally, asked which team he selects when playing video games, Vinicius said: "I play with Barcelona."