Real Madrid agree terms to sign centre-back Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza

Real Madrid are on the verge of completing the signing of centre-back Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza. Rafa Benitez's side are believed to have paid €6m (£4.2m, $6.6m) to secure his services, according to Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

Benitez already has four established first team defenders in the shape of Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Raphael Varane and academy product Nacho Fernandez. However, the club have been looking to boost their options in the position amid speculation linking Ramos with a summer move to Manchester United.

Onda Cero reports that the prodigy has already signed a deal with Real, who will keep him at Zaragoza on loan for one more season to complete his development. Spanish newspaper AS, on the other hand, says the deal is not complete yet but Real are favourites to sign the player, beating off interest from the likes of Barcelona, Udinese and Valencia.

The 19-year-old player is considered to be the next big thing in Spanish defending, recently being crowned a European champion with the U19 national team. Vallejo was the leader of that side, along with playmaker Marco Asensio, who joined Real Madrid at the end of last season.

Although this move is one for the future, it comes at a time when questions continue to be asked over the long-term future of Ramos at Real. He only has two years left on his current contract and in June revealed he was looking to leave the side due to disagreements with club president Florentino Perez over a new deal.

Marca reported earlier this week that, following meetings with Perez, Ramos has changed his mind and will commit his future to the club. However, writing on 29 July, AS said that a new deal is still some way off and he is still "thinking of leaving the club".