Real Madrid Transfer News: Zhang Linpeng Deal Reported by Chinese Government TV

Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng has reportedly “reached an agreement” to play for Real Madrid, according to reports from China's government TV channel, CCTV5.

The 26-year-old centre-back previously claimed he was on his way to Chelsea, per Chinese newspaper Titan (h/t Reuters' Ian Ransom), but he's now being linked with Los Blancos because of the presence of Xu Jiayin—the head of the Evergrande group—during Madrid's 1-0 win over Granada on Saturday, per AS' Joaquin Maroto.

And according to CCTV5 (h/t Maroto), a deal has now been completed:

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The defender isn’t a minor(he’s 26 now) and according to CCTV5, the Chinese government’s TV channel, he’s reached an agreement to play for Real Madrid. He’s been called the Chinese Sergio Ramos, he’s an international and he plays for Guangzhou Evergrande. This summer he was in talks with Chelsea, but in the end he’s chosen Madrid.

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Those links with Chelsea were the cause of much confusion during the summer, when the China international claimed Chelsea had sent him a contract and that he was on his way to Stamford Bridge. He told Titan (h/t Ransom):

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I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation. I've worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.

[...]

Although I'm unable to play Premier League directly, I believe (Chelsea) will have the most professional arrangements regarding my permit.

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While Linpeng is seen as one of China's top players, a prolific centre-back with remarkable technical ability, you have to wonder why Los Blancos would sign yet another centre-back, with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Pepe and Nacho all already in the squad.

Of course, the defender carries incredible value from an economical standpoint. China is a relatively new football market with vast potential for growth, and if one of the country's top stars were to move to Real, shirt sales in the Asian superpower would likely skyrocket.

The timing of the reports seems a little odd, however, with the Spanish transfer market closing weeks ago and the Chinese Super League campaign in full swing. A move in the January transfer window is an option and would give both parties plenty of time to iron out the details.   

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