Real Madrid closing in on signing Franco Mastantuono with Spanish giants considering 'Endrick formula' for 16-year-old River Plate wonderkid

Per AS, Los Blancos are being considered the favourites to land 16-year-old River Plate attacking midfielder Mastantuono as they look to use the Endrick formula. They are likely to follow the similar process that they used to rope in the Brazilian youngster, that is, sign the player now and keep him at his current club for one more year before bringing him to Madrid.

The Argentine giants are reportedly planning to increase the release clause in Mastantuono's contract to €45m (£37m), however, Real remain confident of signing him at his current cost which stands at €25m (£21m). The reigning Spanish champions have given the responsibility to their director of football and former Real Madrid, River Plate and Argentina international Santiago Solari to negotiate with the Argentine club and seal the deal in their favour as soon as possible.

Mastantuono made his senior professional debut this year and in the ongoing season, he has scored three goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently in the United States for pre-season and will play their first friendly on Wednesday against AC Milan at Soldier Field in Chicago.