Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Reus Twist, Latest Martin Odegaard Rumours

Dirk Hebel, the agent of Marco Reus, has labelled suggestions that the Borussia Dortmund star has signed with Real Madrid "blatant nonsense," according to German newspaper Bild (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC).

Jose Manuel Garcia of Spanish outlet El Confidencial previously reported that Reus had agreed a five-year deal to link up with Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu (h/t Uersfeld). Hebel has taken little time to dismiss this speculation, despite Bild noting Madrid have a "firm interest" in the 25-year-old forward.

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke also laughed off Garcia's claims, saying: "There is nothing to it," per Bild.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

However, Watzke previously indicated that BVB are readying themselves for the potential exit of their star player, reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard: "I can understand Marco. He first wants to play again and then he wants to see which direction to take. I have a legitimate hope that he will stay for the long term. If not, it is something we will have to accept."

Reus continues to be earmarked as a possible replacement for Gareth Bale, who is being linked with a £120 million exit from the Spanish capital, per Sport (h/t James Dickenson of the Express). The German's £20 million buyout clause comes into effect this summer and could see Madrid improve their debts without compromising on quality.

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez quashed suggestions that Bale could be pushed through the exit in December. "I cannot imagine Real Madrid without Bale," said Perez, reported by Sky Sports. "We would never listen to any offer, no matter the amount. This is a unique player who has already given us a lot and it is crucial for the future of the club."

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently considered Reus' current value:

BBC Sport's Andy West wouldn't be surprised to see Perez's attitude change, however:

Madrid are said to be on the verge of capturing 16-year-old talent Martin Odegaard—who visited a selection of Europe's elite sides in December—but many are beginning to ask whether it would be a smart move for the teenager.

Former Madrid player Michael Laudrup recently made his feelings known, reported by Merkur (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS):

"

Odegaard? I’m not entirely convinced that joining a club like Madrid would be the right move. He is 16 years old, I cannot imagine seeing him playing right now in Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. If he were my son, I would advise him to go to Holland.

"

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

It would certainly be difficult for Odegaard to break into Madrid's side any time soon, perhaps more so than at any other club. He may be better suited to developing at Ajax, who continue to produce quality academy prospects before selling them off for large fees.

However, there's the possibility Odegaard will deliver on his potential, meaning Madrid could face forking out a mega sum in the future if he doesn't join soon.

This is likely the fear of most clubs following the Norwegian's progress at such an early stage in his career. The youngster's qualities can be seen below:

Madrid are rarely out of the conversation when world-class players and top prospects are up for sale. Reus is potentially available for a bargain fee and would represent an opportunity that is too good to pass. The same could be said of Odegaard if he's to develop into a global star.

Dortmund's dismissal of an agreement will do little to halt the rumours and the feeling that Reus' time at the Westfalenstadion is coming to an end.