Villarreal are regarded as favourites to land Real Madrid midfielder Takefusa Kubo.

After a season-long loan with Real Mallorca, Kubo is set for a similar move next term.

AS says Villarreal, Celta Vigo, Granada and Osasuna the clubs in the running to take the midfielder on loan next season.

Of the LaLiga quartet, it is the Submarino Amarillo who are leading the race to snap up Kubo.

The 19-year-old is attracted by all four suitors, but is leaning towards Villarreal.

His overwhelming priority is to go to a side where he will be given the kind of prominence that will translate into at least 40 appearances over the course of the campaign.