Real Madrid Transfer News: 'New Cristiano Ronaldo' Hachim Mastour in United War

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to go head-to-head with Real Madrid over the signing of AC Milan youngster Hachim Mastour.

As reported by Italian radio station Cope Deportes (via Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express), "Madrid will follow up their signing of Martin Odegaard with Mastour—another target Louis van Gaal is said to be keen on acquiring."

Mastour is touted as the "Moroccan (Lionel) Messi" or "New (Cristiano) Ronaldo" in the aforementioned report, comparisons which undoubtedly add extra pressure to the player's development. The 16-year-old continues to dominate at the youth level with his incisive attacking style, highlighted below:

Confident performances in Milan's younger teams have seen Mastour named on the bench during four Serie A matches, per Anderson. Similar to Odegaard, whom Madrid unveiled to a frenzy of media activity on Thursday, huge things are expected at the onset of Mastour's career.

Jose Felix Diaz of Marca believes Madrid are focusing on improving their youth ranks. He previously suggested Los Blancos are willing to "splash the cash to snap up the best prospects," a technique we can now see taking placing at the Bernabeu.

Alongside Odegaard, it is expected 21-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva will join the club, as reported by ESPN (via Alvaro De La Rosa of AS). Marcio Rodrigues, the Brazilian club's vice-president, recently confirmed "the deal is closed" ahead of Silva's potential move to Spain.

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It's likely many of Europe's elite will take a look at Mastour. United are currently rebuilding for the future under Van Gaal, who can be expected to spend lavishly during the summer.

The Red Devils need to prioritise world-class players who can improve their first team, as there's a real chance the Premier League side won't make next season's Champions League for a second consecutive year. However, Mastour could add quality to a youth setup which has seen James Wilson, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair break into the senior team this campaign. 

Madrid are reported to have paid £2.3 million and offered Odegaard £80,000 per week to join the club, per Spanish media (h/t The Associated Press, via the Daily Mail). It's possible similar figures could be stumped up for Mastour, even if he's yet to ignite the hype train like Odegaard managed before his arrival.

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This kind of commitment to youth will outline Madrid as favourites to sign most highly rated starlets. Mastour looks to have a bright future ahead of him, so it will be interesting to see if he moves on from a Milan side who continue to stutter in Serie A.