Real Murcia youngster Sergio Escudero is fast emerging as the hottest property outside the Primera Liga ahead of the January market.

Just 20, Escudero has managed only five games for Murcia this season, but has Real Madrid and Barcelona monitoring his progress.

Also keen are Espanyol, Villarreal and Real Zaragoza, as Escudero continues to impress visiting scouts.

AS says Real youth chief Ramon Martinez made a personal check on Escudero recently and came away full of praise for the young attacker.