Real Madrid activate 'Operation Odriozola'

Just a day after his Spain debut, Real have declared a serious interest in the 21-year-old and are preparing to meet his €40m release clause.

Odriozola was already on Zinedine Zidane's radar following the departure of Danilo this summer, but a move could now be completed when the transfer market reopens in January.

According to 'AS', the right-back has been specifically targeted by Zidane, who is concerned about Carvajal's heart problem and does not yet trust youngster Achraf Hakimi.

Odriozola put in a sublime performance against Albania on Friday. He tirelessly ran down the right flank, demonstrating a high level of physical strength in the process.

With Carvajal and Arsenal's Hector Bellerin owning the right-back spot in the Spain team, it was incredibly difficult to see a challenger coming through before the World Cup in Russia next June. But Odriozola has now launched his name into the spotlight and will certainly be targeting a place in Julen Lopetegui’s 23-man squad.