Real Madrid 'preparing to announce new Vinicius Junior deal'

The Brazil international's current deal at Bernabeu is due to expire next June, meaning that, as it stands, foreign clubs would be able to speak to him in January about a pre-contract.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a new deal is "101% sealed", with Los Blancos close to making an announcement when it comes to the forward's future.

The 23-year-old has missed four games this season due to injury, but he has still contributed three goals and one assist in seven appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, in total, Vinicius has represented the capital giants on 232 occasions since his arrival from Flamengo in the summer of 2018, scoring 62 goals and registering 65 assists in the process.

The South American enjoyed his most productive campaign for the club last term, scoring 23 goals and registering 21 assists in 55 appearances in all competitions.

Vinicius scored once and provided an assist in Saturday's 4-0 win over Osasuna, and he said after the match that he wanted to play for Real Madrid 'all his life'.

"It is always an honour to play here at Real Madrid, with these fans and the love they have for me. I am very happy to play here and I want to continue playing here at Real Madrid all my life," he told reporters.

Various reports have suggested that Vinicius's new deal will run until 2027 and include a release clause of €1bn (£870m).

Vinicius was joined on the scoresheet against Osasuna by Joselu and Jude Bellingham, with the latter netting twice to make it 10 goals in 10 appearances for Real Madrid this season.

"It's the same as always. He's finding a lot of possibilities in attack, he's very involved, I've told him that he doesn't have a fixed position and that's benefitting him," Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters following the team's last match.

"He's attacking from deep and it's been a surprising start to the season, nobody expected this level in terms of goals.

"This maturity that he has, he makes us forget that he's 20 years old. He's learned very quickly, and he's very happy to be here and is enjoying his time, but always with his feet on the ground and very serious and professional."

Real Madrid will be bidding to make it five straight wins in all competitions when they resume their La Liga campaign away to Sevilla on October 21.