Manchester United and Chelsea keen to pry away 16-year-old Real Madrid defender

It raised plenty of eyebrows, Carlo Ancelotti-style, when Real Madrid included a 16-year-old central defender in their preseason tour to the USA, in spite of their injury crisis. Not many teenagers are given a chance at Los Blancos at such a tender age, but Joan Martinez looks to be a particularly special case.

Martinez came on at half-time in their first friendly against AC Milan, and performed well, putting in one exceptional challenge, which may well have saved a goal. His talent is no secret either, and Real Madrid are aware of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea in the defensive prodigy, report Diario AS. Nevertheless, Los Blancos are not overly concerned, feeling Martinez is committed, and knowing that he wants to triumph at the club Sergio Ramos, his idol, made his name.

Part of the reason is that at 15 years old, while playing for Levante, Martinez chose Real Madrid over Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal. His name is one near the top of the agenda for various clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe though.

Rarely will players leave the academy at Real Madrid unless they do not feel they will get a chance to play. Their handling of him in the next couple of years could be crucial. With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba ageing into their thirties, there should be places in the squad on the horizon, but equally Real Madrid may address their defence before Martinez is ready.