Real Madrid set to beat Manchester United, Liverpool and Ajax in signing Martin Odegaard after beginning talks

Real Madrid are reportedly set to beat Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax in signing Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard.

According to the Daily Mail, the young midfielder has traveled to Madrid to hold talks with the Spanish capital club regarding a move to Santiago Bernabeu.

Odegaard has been one of the most sought-after young players in recent times, with every top European club taking a look at the youngster either through their scouting networks or by offering him a trial at the club.

The Norwegian international has had short stints at all the above mentioned clubs and all of them were interested in signing the youngster in the summer, but looks like Real have raced ahead of the pack and have started talks with the midfielder.

Odegaard shot to fame after he became the youngest player to represent his country in a European Championship match, when he came on for Norway in their game against Bulgaria. He was just 15-years and 300 days old then.

Liverpool, whom the midfielder is a big fan of, and recently Ajax were thought to be winning the race for his signature, but looks like he is set to move to the La Liga with the 10-time European champions.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool star John Arne Riise feels there is too much pressure on his compatriot's shoulders at such a young age, but credits him for having his feet firm on the ground.

"I feel a bit sorry for the boy," Riise told Dagbladet. "With anticipation the pressure rises. There is talk of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal. It makes people expect a lot," Riise said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"But he does seem to have his feet firmly on the ground and it seems like he has a great family around him. Even so, it will be tough for him now. People are wary of him and people will look out for him," the former Norwegian international added.