Carlo Ancelotti admits he'd 'understand' if Vinicius Junior left Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia as La Liga leaders brace for world-record €300m transfer bid

The Brazil star has been a target for Saudi Pro League clubs since last summer and the latest report from AS has claimed that officials in the Middle Eastern country are preparing a world record bid for Vinicius Jr. They are reportedly ready to pay €300 million (£251m/$313m) to Real Madrid for the star attacker and offer him €200m (£167m/$208m) in wages per season.

As the Spanish champions brace themselves for a record transfer bid, manager Carlo Ancelotti says that he would "understand" if Vinicius chose to move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Italian backed the 24-year-old to pick more glory at Real over riches in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: "I understand everything in football. I understood Toni Kroos retiring from football [last summer]. Not many people understood it, but I did. I understand everything.

"They're individual decisions. But to me, the player [Vinicius] looks happy and excited about staying here and winning trophies with Real Madrid. I think he's thinking about choosing glory."

Madrid will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Brest in their final league stage match of the Champions League away from home.