Real Madrid Transfer News: Theo Hernandez 'Convinced' on Atletico Madrid Exit

Atletico Madrid full-back Theo Hernandez has decided that he wants to move to Real Madrid this summer, with the defender said to be "convinced that his future lies with Los Blancos." 

That's according to Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, who has reported that Real are ready to pay the clause in Hernandez's current contract at Atletico amounting to €24 million (£20.5 million).

The 19-year-old is enjoying a fine season on loan at Alaves from Atletico and has been tipped for a bright future at the Vicente Calderon. However, according to Diaz, his mind is made up over a move across the Spanish capital.

"Sources close to the player insist that despite the 19-year-old constantly receiving messages from friends and family to try and change his mind, he has his sights set on Real Madrid," the report continued. "This firm mindset has surprised some given his youth, but it is clearly an asset of his both on and off the pitch."

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It would be a controversial switch if it comes off, as the two clubs are not only rivals in terms of geography but at the summit of Spanish and European football.

Hernandez is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in La Liga and has continued to develop during his time at Alaves:

Indeed, the teenager has made for thrilling viewing from the full-back position. His acceleration is incredible when bursting down the flank, giving opponents major problems when trying to track his overlaps.

When he gets into those advanced positions he's resourceful in possession. Hernandez is composed enough to pick cute passes infield, although he's equally adept at whipping dangerous crosses into the area.

As you'd expect from a player who's still so young, he's fearless, too. Per WhoScored.com, Hernandez loves to drive at opponents:

Atletico would be disappointed to see him go. The club's president Enrique Cerezo has suggested they will do all they can to keep the youngster at Atletico but was adamant they've not yet received any bid for the left-back.

"Nobody has asked us about Theo, about clauses, nothing at all," Cerezo told El Transistor (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC). "We do not know anything about this. If [Real] Madrid ask us about Theo the answer would be energetic and determined."

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As Agence France-Presse's Kieran Canning noted earlier this month, reports linking Hernandez with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu have seemingly upset some of the natives at the Calderon:

Nevertheless, if Real were to come calling, the temptation would be clear for Hernandez. With Fabio Coentrao's future at the football club in doubt, there would likely be a defined position as deputy to Marcelo with Los Blancos. The Brazilian would be a tremendous player to learn from.

There would be a similar opening at Atletico, though, with Filipe Luis also a world-class operator at left-back. However, according to Diaz's report, the prospect of donning the iconic all-white jersey is too good an opportunity to turn down for the youngster.

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