Real Madrid transfer news: Barcelona rivalling Los Blancos for Spanish youngster?

The two El Clasico rivals have traded La Liga titles in recent seasons, Los Blancos having gotten the upper hand during the 2023-24 campaign.

However, it has been a different story for Barcelona under Hansi Flick with the Catalan giants currently sitting six points clear at the top of the La Liga table.

In the short term, Real are needing to prioritise defensive additions courtesy of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao suffering season-ending knee injuries.

From Barcelona's perspective, they are generally having to take finances into consideration courtesy of ongoing issues to meet the regulations if they want to add a fresh face to their squad.

Nevertheless, it appears that the two European powerhouses could soon be locking horns to add a prospect to their ranks.

Which player is subject of Real, Barcelona interest?

According to Marca, Malaga starlet Antonio Cordero is on the radar of the two clubs ahead of 2025.

The 17-year-old is currently starring in the Segunda Division, contributing three goals and three assists from his 12 appearances this season.

Cordero's form for a Malaga side that are bidding for promotion has already earned him recognition with Spain Under-19s.

With a contract until the end of the season, though, his future is very much in the air when the nation's biggest clubs are monitoring his development.

What is the best path for Cordero?

Real Madrid have a long-standing interest in Cordero having previously wanted to add him to their Castilla squad for this campaign.

Although they have may ambitions to eventually use Cordero in the first team, that could be several seasons away given the talent already at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal.

Barcelona have shown far more of a willingness to integrate young talent in the first team, there seemingly no limit as to who Flick will consider for senior duty.

Taking that into consideration, a move to Camp Nou would make more sense, even if it initially came with a loan spell elsewhere.