by Chris Read

Real Madrid have confirmed their interest Steven Fletcher of Hibs and are linked to a £4-5 million pound summer move for the 20 year old.Fletcher is one product of a Hibernian youth academy that is widely perceived to be one of the best in the country and he only recently signed an improved six year contract that made him the highest paid player at the club.
Real Madrid have been drawing up a their short-list of some of the continent’s most exciting young talent as they seek to cement a departure away from the much derided ‘galacticos’ policy that saw established stars brought to the club for huge transfer fees all of whom leave for little or no money. The transfer fee’s paid for the likes of Sergio Ramos, Drenthe, Fernando Gago, Sneijder, Robinho, Gonzalo Higuaín not too mention Robben’s move from Chelsea have been high but Real Madrid have invested in a group of players who all have good resale values and are on long term deals.

Real chief scout Julen Lopetegui said of Fletcher: “He is now one of 10 young players we are watching across Europe. It’s a complicated process and we know it will be a hard choice.”

Fletcher is highly regarded both within Scotland and by clubs in the Premier League, with Bolton, Aston Villa and Everton already having sent scouts to watch him.

However, Real’s interest places them at the front of the growing queue to sign the youngster.

Fletcher has excelled for Scotland at every age group level and was one of the stars of the country’s run to the final of the Under-19 European Championships two years ago.

Scotland were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final with Under-21 coach Inaki Saez confirming that observers in Spain had been impressed with Fletcher’s contribution.

“During the last couple of years the level of young players in Scotland has increased,” said Saez.

“Fletcher is proof of that. He has a big future and I can’t understand why he isn’t playing for Celtic or Rangers.”

I am not sure I agree 100% with Inaki Saez Rangers / Celtic comment as I think its better for a 20 year old to develop in a smaller team with the ability to play week in week out.  There are countless examples where so called wonder-kids move to early and don’t make the grade. Lets hope the kid get his move out here to give us Madrid based ex-pats a home nations player to support (and European Vibe Magazine a chance to interview!)