Real Madrid facing crucial decision on Endrick arrival as Palmeiras look to capitalise on Kylian Mbappe's blockbuster transfer

FollowingGOAL breaking the news that Palmeiras wish to keep Endrick at the club until the end of the Serie A season, ESPN sources indicate that the Brazilian club's president Leila Pereira will raise the issue with Madrid's chief scout Juni Calafat during a meeting in Sao Paolo this week.

The forward was announced as Real Madrid player in December 2022 and had been due to move to the Spanish capital this summer once he turns 18. However, with Kylian Mbappe's inevitable arrival in Madrid, Palmeiras will look to take advantage of the blockbuster move by trying to keep their star player for the rest of their season.

Endrick burst on to the scene at the end of the 2022 season, featuring in the Palmeiras first team at the age of 16. By that stage he was already on the radar of Europe's top clubs and it was Madrid who moved quickest, matching his €60 million (£52m/$64m) release clause to add the teenager to their stock of young Brazilian talent.

Endrick became the fourth-youngest player to debut for Brazil when he made his international bow last November at the age of 17 years and 118 days.

In doing so he surpassed Ronaldo Nazario by 65 days but was some way behind the great Pele, who won his first cap aged 16 years and 257 days in 1957.

The teenager will await the outcome of this week's talks which will determine whether he begins his European adventure this summer or stays for a tilt at another Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores.