Real Valladolid are moving for Real Madrid defender Javi Sanchez.

Marca says Valladolid are closing in on signing Sanchez from Real Madrid on a permanent deal in exchange for around three million euros.

The 23-year-old centre-back will replace Mohammed Salisu, who is expected to depart the club this summer.

Although he has not featured in the league while on loan at Pucela this season, Sanchez has impressed his coach Sergio Gonzalez.

Real Valladolid's coaching staff are fascinated by the youngster's potential and they believe that he would have had more game time had Kiko Olivas and Salisu had not secured the two centre-back spots in the starting line-up.